2017 Ribfest Guide: Music, Food And More

NAPERVILLE, IL -- Ribfest is returning to Naperville next weekend, and it is set to be a huge event. From June 30 to July 3, people will be able to enjoy live music from some big names, all sorts of family events and, of course, lots of ribs.

The Exchange Club of Naperville runs Ribfest and uses proceeds from the event to help organizations that fight child abuse. So far, they have raised over $15 million for the cause.

The Family Fun Area will provide festival goers with kid-friendly rides and activities including inflatables, a petting zoo, magic show and carnival. Click here for more information on entrance costs.

Food options run the gamut from BBQ ribs, pulled pork, chicken and amazing sauces, plus desserts and festival fare. A dozen rib vendors will compete for cash prizes and honors in three categories: Best Ribs, Best Sauce and Kid’s Choice. Competitors include Armadillo's Ribs & BBQ Co., Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co., Coyote Roadhouse, Johnson's BBQ, Mojo's, Pigfood, Porky-N-Beans B-B-Q Company, Robinson's No. 1 Ribs, Sgt. Oink's BBQ Co. LTD, Hog Wild Barbeque, Texas Outlaws Bar-B-Que and Uncle Bub's.

Non-rib vendors will offer treats like cotton candy, funnel cakes duck fat fries, fresh-squeezed lemonade, ice cream, shaved ice, nachos, churros and more. View the full menu here.

This year's activities include hot dog and corn on the cob eating contests, and the festivities go out with the bang with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Monday from Knock Park, 724 S . West St.

The festival will feature music throughout. Performers include big names like Flock of Seagulls, Toby Keith, the B-52s, Collective Soul and more. This is the schedule for music acts:

Friday, June 30

Navistar Main Stage

• 4:00 p.m.: Drew Baldridge
• 6:00 p.m.: Colt Ford
• 8:00 p.m.: Toby Keith

South Stage

• 12:30 p.m.: Naperville Park District Battle of the Bands Winner
• 2:00 p.m.: Frequilibrium
• 3:30 p.m.: Buckshot Bully
• 5:00 p.m.: One More Time
• 6:30 p.m.: Thirsty Boots
• 8:00 p.m.: Lil' Red and the Howlin' Wolves

Saturday, July 1

Navistar Main Stage

• 4:00 p.m.: The Romantics
• 6:00 p.m.: Flock of Seagulls
• 8:00 p.m.: The B-52s

South Stage

• 12:30 p.m.: School of Rock
• 2:00 p.m.: The Millenials
• 3:30 p.m.: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
• 5:00 p.m.: Common Allies
• 6:30 p.m.: 7th Heaven
• 8:00 p.m.: Brother John

Sunday, July 2

Navistar Main Stage

• 4:00 p.m.: Lacey Sturm
• 6:00 p.m.: Collective Soul
• 8:00 p.m.: Shinedown

South Stage

• 12:30 p.m.: School of Rock
• 2:00 p.m.: Over the Sun
• 3:30 p.m.: The Danhattans
• 5:00 p.m.: Rule of Four
• 6:30 p.m.: Dan Peters and the West Side Winders
• 8:00 p.m.: Mark Farner

Monday, July 3

Navistar Main Stage

• 4:00 p.m.: Better than Ezra
• 6:00 p.m.: The Wallflowers
• 8:00 p.m.: Tres Moustache

South Stage

• 12:30 p.m.: Brothers of Absolution
• 2:00 p.m.: Bluesheart
• 3:30 p.m.: Idlewild North
• 5:00 p.m.: Joanna Connor
• 6:15 p.m.: Mike Wheeler
• 7:30 p.m.: Toronzo Cannon
• 8:30 p.m.: Halstead St. All-Star's Blues Jam

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