A Halal Barbecue Rib Fest in the Burbs and More Chicago-Area Pop-Ups

At long last, summer temperatures have arrived in Chicago, which means locals are eager to hit the pavement and savor every moment of the all-too-brief season. That means it’s a great time to explore the city’s many bar and restaurant pop-ups to keep things interesting and preview up-and-coming hospitality talent. Follow along for a sampling of the best the city has to offer in Eater Chicago’s pop-up round-up.

Have a pop-up that should be listed? Email information to chicago@eater.com.

July

Lombard: Annual touring event Halal Ribfest is back in town for a meaty, family-friendly celebration of halal-certified barbecue and street food from Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14 in suburban Lombard, according to a rep. Attendees can snag samples from competitors in a BBQ Showdown and vote for the top contenders in categories like “best ribs,” “best sauce,” and “people’s champion.” There’s also a special zone for kids with free activities like magic shows and inflatables. Tickets (prices vary) and more details are available online. Halal Ribfest Illinois 2024, Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14, 203 Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard.

Fulton Market: Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat) will team up with James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer (Kindling) and fellow Top Chef alum Joe Sasto on Thursday, July 18 for a rooftop party at Cabra, her Peruvian-style spot atop the Hoxton hotel, according to a rep. Party people can expect “seasonal eats,” tequila-based cocktails, frozen drinks, and sweeping city views. Tickets ($125) are available via OpenTable. A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Hot to Goat! at Cabra, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 200 N. Green Street.

Fulton Market: Izard will keep the party going on Friday, July 19 with a 14th birthday celebration of Girl & the Goat, her famed restaurant with James Beard Award-winning Boka Restaurant Group. Tickets ($85) include passed appetizers and two drink tickets, and are available via OpenTable. Birthday Bubbles & Bites Happy Hour at Girl & the Goat, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 19, 809 W. Randolph Street.

Avondale: Heavy metal-themed burger mini-chain Kuma’s Corner will hold a launch party on Saturday, July 20 for the Stella’s Burger, a new burger creation designed to raise funds for a 13-year-old Chicagoan who is recovering from a physical assault in 2023 at her middle school, according to a rep. The Angus beef burger features its namesake’s favorite toppings: spicy dijonnaise, mushrooms, fried pickles, Muenster, and avocado, and $2 from each burger sold will go to a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Stella’s medical expenses and assist in a search for a more accessible home. It will remain on the menu until the teen’s GoFundMe campaign reaches its $25,000 goal. Release party festivities will include a raffle, a silent auction, and limited edition t-shirts available for purchase. Stella’s Burger Release Party at Kuma’s Corner, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2900 W. Belmont Avenue.

River North: Chef Brian Baxter of lauded fine dining spot The Catbird Seat in Nashville will join Chicago chef Sujan Sarkar and his team at Michelin-starred Indienne for a collaborative one-night-only pop-up on Monday, July 22 in River North, according to a rep. Baxter and Sarkar promise an eight-course tasting menu ($190 per person) and optional wine pairings ($120 per person) from Indienne sommelier Tia Polite. Reservations are available via Tock. Indienne x The Catbird Seat, Monday, July 22, 217 W. Huron Street.

The Loop: Seoul nightlife-inspired cocktail bar Miki’s Park is bringing back its K-Pop fireworks boat party for the second year running on Wednesday, July 24 aboard the “Summer of George” boat. Attendees will have access to two cash bars throughout the three-hour ride on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan with tunes from Miki’s Park’s resident K-Pop DJ Dorian Westwood, a fireworks show from the boat’s top roof deck, and entry to the bar’s late-night afterparty. Tickets and more details are available online. Miki’s Park K-POP Fireworks Boat Party, 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, Departs from River City Marina at 900 S. Wells Street.