4th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest featuring RICO & Journey Recaptured!

The summer festival season continues! Let’s celebrate one of Chicago’s most iconic eats—the mighty hot dog 🌭—at the 4th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest in Portage Park! Join us as we explore vendor tents serving creative twists on the Chicago-style dog, enjoy live music, shop local artisans, and maybe even catch the Hot Dog Eating Contest or the Top Dog Parade (yes, it involves actual dogs 🐶) Come even if you don't like hotdogs as they serve up more than wieners!

We’re teaming up with several other Meetup groups for this fun event, so it’s a multi-group gathering! If you see my name with a large number next to it, that means lots of people are attending from various groups — it's going to be a great crowd!

Get Ready for the 4th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest! Decide for yourself whether ketchup belongs on a hot dog at Chicago’s beloved Windy City Hot Dog Fest, happening Friday to Sunday, May 30–June 1, in the vibrant Portage Park neighborhood. Some of Chicagoland’s most iconic hot dog stands will go head-to-head to claim the title of Best Frankfurter—and you get to be the judge!

But the fun doesn’t stop at the food. Savor live performances by incredible local and regional artists on the mainstage, explore a variety of arts and crafts vendors, and enjoy family-friendly activities in the kids’ area. There’s even a community stage showcasing local talent!

The Windy City Hot Dog Fest is brought to you in partnership with the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce. Dedicated to fostering a thriving shopping and entertainment district, the Chamber celebrates the area’s rich history, supports the arts, promotes sustainable practices, and creates unforgettable events that strengthen community pride.

Nine of Chicagoland's favorite hot dog vendors will compete to be the "Top Dog!" You get to be the judge: Chicago's Doghouse, Baked Cheese Haus, Bust Outs, Byron's Hot Dogs, J's Bacon Hot Dogs, Sausage Fest Food Truck, Frannie's Cafe, Tikka Masala Dogs and Lee Concessions.

Prove your hot dog loyalty by joining the hot dog eating contest. Five registrants can compete in a five-minute eating contest on Saturday, May 31 at 3:30 pm. Sign up online at windycityhotdogfest.com or on-site if spots are available. The winner will receive bragging rights!

Besides tasty dogs, patrons will listen to great local and regional acts on the event's mainstage. Plus, don't miss the kids' area, arts & crafts vendors, Polar Bare Bath (soaps and body care), Lil Bird Kitchens LLC (jarred relishes), and Papa Caps Foods (hot sauces).

💵 $10 suggested donation at the gate, which you are not obligated to pay. You can give a lesser amount or no money, as it is NOT required!

MAIN STAGE
Saturday
12:30pm – Mariachi Los Palmeros
2:00pm – Largemouth Band
3:30pm – Whatever, Nevermind (Nirvana Tribute)
5:30pm – RICO! – Santana Tribute (WE WILL SEE THIS BAND)
8:00pm – Journey Recaptured (WE WILL SEE THIS BAND)

COMMUNITY STAGE AT THE SIX!
Saturday
12:00 pm – The Chicago Ballet Center
1:30pm – A Short Leap Theater Company
3:00pm – One River
4:30pm – Marianne + The Imaginary Band
6:00pm – Rob Moore
7:30pm – C3zr

Rico is defined as a band with a rich sound of diversified musical cultures. A mixture of sophisticated melodic genres and ethnicity coming together is the essence of Rico! This sound can be heard on their CD’s entitled “Make Music (2010)” and “Casa De Tambores (2004)”. Influenced tremendously by the sound and spirit of Santana, you can say Rico is the modern day Santana. https://ricojams.com/

RECAPTURED features Bob Biagi, and features all of the lights, sounds, and Journey-esque atmosphere, with what you would expect from a show called RECAPTURED This is not a cover band, but a group of talented musicians and vocalists who have perfected every nuance of what made Journey the Super Group they are. RECAPTURED performs all the hits that made Journey famous one fabulous hit after another. It is time to be RECAPTURED. The definition of Tribute is: a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem. https://www.recapturedband.com/

If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use the CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

If you drive, there is metered parking on Irving, Cicero and Milwaukee (away from the fest area). There is even a public lot for the shopping district. Free on side streets. Easy parking in this area

PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:

• 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp, and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
• cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
• not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
• Continual no-shows will result in removal from the group!