Chicago’s Best WingFest returns to the UIC Pavilion this Sunday, May 6, from noon until 4 p.m. More than 3,000 chicken wing enthusiasts “flock” to the event to sample the 9,000-plus pounds of wings from over 30 restaurants being served. The event sells out every year, so make sure to get your tickets today.
Guests enjoy four categories of chicken wings: Mild, Hot, BBQ, and Exotic. Judges are selected for each separate category, and our very own CEO Tim O’Malley is one of them. What’s his top pick for the Mild category going to be? We’ll find out on Sunday.
“I’m excited to be a judge for WingFest! We may not be Buffalo, but I’ll put Chicago’s wings up against any other city,” he says. “Somebody’s got to do it, and I’m happy it will be me!”
Best of Fest
Each year, the festival has returning champions and new competitors ready to win “Best of Fest.” Last year’s newcomer, Half Day Brewing won Best of Fest, while Gators Wing Shack holds four championships and the record for the most “Best of Fest” titles.
Lady/Lord of the Wings
In addition, the famous event hosts an annual Wing Eating Competition to see who can eat a dozen of wings the fastest, earning the “Lady” or “Lord of the Wings” and receiving WingFest swag and bragging rights.
WingFest Details
General Admission tickets cost $50 and include admission, all-you- can-eat wings and access to the day’s entertainment, including games, live music, photo opportunities and eating contests. VIP tickets cost $100 and include all of the above, plus access to VIP balconies sponsored by Hooters, seven drink tickets, unlimited Hooters wings, and a fabulous swag bag.
Participating restaurants currently include Half Day Brewing Co., Butch McGuire’s, Howells & Hood, Kitty O’Sheas, Son of A Butcher, Buffalo Wings & Rings, MQ’s Golf Dome, Paisans, The HotWing Joint, Tap House Grill, Mahoney’s Pub & Grille, Q’s Tips & Wings, Overtime Sports Bar & Grill, The Irish Oak, Distilled Chicago, Bounce, Boulevard, Rack House Kitchen & Tavern, Lockdown Bar & Grill, Lottie’s, Publican Anker, Wild Wings & Slots, Maize & Mash, Corcoran’s Grill & Pub, Park Tavern, Bliss Culinary Heaven, Kings Dining & Entertainment, E & O Food and Drink, CrossRoads Bar & Grill, and Estrella Negra.
The benefiting charities will be the Illinois Restaurant Association, Division Street Merchants Association, and Picking Me Foundation. To purchase tickets, visit https://wingfest.net.
I love going to this fest and I made sure that I didn’t missed it this year. I’ve been there last May 6 and it was great. I don’t know how much I have eaten. Lol!