Windy City Hot Dog Fest to bring Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, AC/DC tributes, Latin music to Milwaukee Ave. at Six Corners on June 4-5 in addition to array of hot dog vendors
by BRIAN NADIG
The inaugural “Windy City Hot Dog Fest,” with live music and an array of hot dog vendors, will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5, on Milwaukee Avenue between Irving Park Road on the south and Cuyler Avenue on the north.
The street festival is being organized by the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by Vienna Beef. A $7 gate donation will benefit the chamber’s community initiatives, and those donating will receive a “passport to savings,” featuring discounts and specials at area businesses.
About ten of the Chicago area’s favorite hot dog vendors will compete for the “Top Dog” award at the event, festival organizers said. Options will include beef and veggie hot dogs, with a variety of ethnic twists and toppings.
Fest organizers gave the following description: “For the daring, Chicago’s Dog House in Lincoln Park is bringing exotic hot dogs to the fest, including a rattlesnake and rabbit dog and an alligator dog called ‘Chance the Snapper.’ Byron’s Hot Dogs will showcase their ‘Dogzilla’ for huge appetites. There will also be hot dogs with a Mexican and Indian flair to try.”
On the first day of the festival, five people will compete in a five-minute hot dog eating contest. Those interested in the contest can register at www.windycityhotdogfest.com.
There also will be a kids’ area, arts & crafts vendors, and a “top dog” parade on Sunday.
The following musicals acts are scheduled for Saturday: Mariachi Los Viajeros at 12:30 p.m., Stache (Pop/dance) at 2 p.m., Beggar’s Banquet (Rolling Stones tribute) at 4 p.m., TNT (AC/DC tribute) at 6 p.m. and Lounge Puppets (1980s Rock) at 8 p.m.
On Sunday, Mariachi Los Viajeros at 12:30 p.m., Jak Tripper (metal/rock) at 2 p.m., Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute) at 4 p.m., The Business (horns/classic/wedding-style band) at 6 p.m. and Chicago Latin Groove Band at 8 p.m.
