Fort Wayne, Ind. – – Fort Wayne’s festival schedule is in full swing. With Headwaters Park the place to be for all sorts of fun slated to go down this year. One festival goer favorite is Rib Fest, which runs from June 15 through 18. This year’s event features award-winning rib masters from around the country. Some of the teams have served up their sweet and spicy, or hot and tangy wares at Rib Fest in previous years. Some participants are new to Fort Wayne’s Rib Fest. From the sounds of things, there will be plenty of tasty barbecue to appease hungry rib fans.
Rib Fest: just right for summer
Rib Fest seems to pull together all the elements people need for a relaxing, fun-filled summer. Food, fun, hot weather, and even hotter barbecue. According to Fort Wayne Rib Fest’s website, the event also aims to be family friendly, in regard to content and prices. This year’s event runs through Father’s Day, and dads get in free that day.
The ribs and assorted meats that rib masters will grill and slather with signature sauces are the stars of Rib Fest. Some people have their favorites from previous years, and will go to those vendors first. On the other hand, some might choose sampler portions from multiple teams. For many attendees, half the fun is figuring out exactly who is the best barbecue team. A person needs to taste from multiple teams to judge accurately. Judging accurately might require attending all the days of Rib Fest.
Among the rib master teams that are scheduled for this year’s event are Porky Chicks BBQ, Desperado’s BBQ & Rib Co., Cowboys Barbecue & Rib Co., Big Boned BBQ, and others.
Rib Fest: not just food
In addition to food, Rib Fest is known for the musical acts that grace the stage. This year is no exception. For example, two tribute bands for Journey and Lynyrd Skynyrd are among the groups set to contribute to Rib Fest’s soundtrack.
The rockin’ tunes kick off on Thursday, June 15 at 5:30 p.m., when Hip Pocket takes the Blackburn Romey stage. The group consists of some of Fort Wayne’s best musicians.
Following Hip Pocket is Scotty Bratcher. While Bratcher has played with such household names as Ted Nugent, Blue Oyster Cult, Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, Foghat, and more.
Each day of the festival features its own special lineup. See the group’s website for specific days and performances.
True to festival fashion, Rib Fest succeeds on the combination of food and music. The combination creates an atmosphere that feels like summer. Rib Fest gets underway at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. The festivities wrap up at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information on parking, food vendors, admission pricing, the performance schedule and more, visit: http://bbqfest.com
