May through September, the state hosts several BBQ competitions and festivals throughout the season, showcasing various regional styles and flavors.
One of the most popular BBQ competitions in Illinois is the Naperville Ribfest, held every July in Naperville. The event features live music, food vendors, and various activities, along with the BBQ competition.
Other notable BBQ competitions in Illinois include the Windy City Smokeout in Chicago, the Peoria Jaycees BBQ Festival in Peoria, and the Annual BBQ and Bluegrass Festival in Danville. These events feature live music, food vendors, and various activities, along with the BBQ competitions.
Illinois’s BBQ scene is influenced by its proximity to Kansas City and other BBQ hotspots, as well as by the state’s unique regional flavors and ingredients. Popular dishes include pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken, as well as Illinois-style BBQ dishes like pork steaks and Italian beef sandwiches.
| April, 2023: Smok’n in the Park – Smithton, IL |
| May 6-7, 2023: Route 66 Smokeout, Dwight, IL. Contact: Rodney Connor, Phone: 815-374-0364, Email: rodneyconnor@hotmail.com. |
| May 19-20, 2023: Smok’n in the Park, Smithton, IL. |
| May 26-27, 2023: Westmont Red White & BBQ Cook-Off – Westmont, IL |
| June 17, 2023: Morris Rhythm & BBQ Festival – Morris, IL |
| June, 2023: Heritage Days Steak Throw Down – Bellvidere, IL |
| July 13-16, 2023: Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, IL |
| July 14, 2023: Central Illinois BBQ Throwdown – Eureka, IL |
| July, 2023: Harvest On Fire at The Winery – Marshall, IL |
| September, 2023: Murphysboro BBQ Cook Off – Murphysboro, IL |
