2012 Ribfest in Naperville

It’s time again for what has unquestionably become DuPage County’s biggest summer festival, Ribfest.  This year marks the festival’s 25th Anniversary.

Naperville’s Ribfest has grown astronomically in scale over the past decade or so.   This event gets crowded!  What was once a typical summer festival, is now closer to a national-scale event that sees a half-million attendees over five days.  The festival regularly books nationally-recognized bands and entertainment that no other area festival can rival.

Ribfest is a good time for the entire family, but make no mistake, unlike some of the other area festivals, this event is not going to be a cheap family outing.  Admission prices and concession prices will add up pretty quickly, so bring some extra cash along.  A family of four could easily spend $100 at Ribfest on admission, food, and entertainment.

Like past years, there will be a full-scale carnival with plenty of rides and games.  There are tons of additional activities that are sure to keep kids entertained for hours.   There’s also a respectable Fourth of July fireworks display at 9:30PM on July 3rd.  Check out www.ribfest.net for all of the details.

Let’s not forget what Ribfest is really all about:  BBQ ribs.  Each year top BBQ gurus and sultans of smoke travel from around the nation to compete for the coveted Ribfest “Best Ribs” title.  The heavenly scent of grilling and smoking fills the air as tasty summer favorites are BBQ’d to perfection.  This year’s Ribfest rib vendors include:

• Porky ‘N’ Beans
• Rasta Joe’s BBQ
• Desperado’s BBQ & Rib Co.
• SGT. Oinks BBQ
• Texas Outlaws
• Johnson’s Barbecue
• Uncle Bubs (a local favorite from Westmont, IL)
• Mojo’s Ribshack
• Pigfoot
• Armadillo Rib and Que Company
• Howling Coyote Southwest BBQ
• Robinson’s No.1 Ribs
• Willingham’s
• Hog Wild Barbeque
• Butch’s
• BBQ Masters

Due to the fact that Ribfest is a major, crowded event that offers very little nearby parking, it is highly recommended that you park at one of the event’s numerous satalite parking lots.  Free shuttles operate continuously to and from Ribfest.  If you are going to go, seriously consider parking offsite and taking the shuttle.  Here is a Ribfest parking map that should help you find a suitable offsite lot. 

Advance ticket purchase to Ribfest and the mainstage shows can be made here.

Mainstage shows include:

• Friday, June 29 – Steve Miller Band – $25/ticket
• Saturday, June 30 – Joe Walsh – $15/ticket
• Sunday, July 1 – ZZ Top – $20/ticket
• Monday, July 2 – Joe Nichols – $10 advance ($15 at gate)
• Tuesday, July 3 – Leftover Salmon & Moe – $10 advance ($15 at gate)

There are no ticket refunds (even if the show is cancelled due to rain).  Children 11-years-old and younger are free with a paying adult. 

Mainstage Ribfest Entertainment/Band Schedule

Tons of great bands and live entertainment await you at this year’s Ribfest.  Below is the live music schedule (mainstage only) for this year’s event.  There are numerous other local live bands performing daily on a second Ribfest stage.  You can view the local band lineup here.

Navistar North Stage

Check it out!  Ribfest 2012 is only a couple weeks away now!

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