Naperville Ribfest 2018 Guide: Fireworks, Music, Food

NAPERVILLE, IL — With Pitbull, Steven Tyler, and Stray Cats on the bill, the 30th Annual Naperville Ribfest promises to be memorable. To make sure you see everything you should see — and eat everything you eat — at Knoch Park, Patch has put together this handy guide to Naperville Ribfest 2018. Check out these schedules so you can plan each day of Ribfest for maximum fun.

Fireworks

Many Ribfest-goers look forward to the annual fireworks display and this year is no exception. On Wednesday, July 4, he city has planned an epic fireworks show sponsored by Meijer. Be sure to bring a blanket and grab a spot before dusk for maximum fireworks viewing.

South Park will offer free general admission on July 4 after 5 p.m. for festivalgoers who want to see the fireworks show.

Carnival

South Park will feature $5 general admission throughout the remainder of the fest for its carnival rides and games. Kids younger than 11 years old can get into the park free if accompanied by an adult. Ribfest 2018 will offer wristbands to give carnival goers access to a day full of unlimited Ferris wheels and roller coasters. The wristband deals include:

• $15 bracelet: Unlimited rides from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. for one day only
• $30 bracelet: Unlimited carnival rides for one day only
• $75 Megapass: Unlimited carnival rides all four days of Ribfest

Food

Food is one of the main attractions at Ribfest, with the spotlight naturally being on ribs. From pulled pork and barbecue ribs, there will be plenty of saucy goodness going around:

• Armadillo Rib and BBQ Company
• Bar-b-que Colonel
• Desperado's BBQ and Rib Company
• Howling Coyote and Company
• Just North of Memphis
• Mojo's Rib Shack
• Pigfoot
• Salt Creek BBQ
• Sgt. Oink's BBQ Co.
• Texas Outlaws Barbeque
• Uncle Bub's

If you're not into barbecue chicken and ribs, don't worry. There are dozens of food vendors ready to serve up tasty treats, including:

• Cookout on Wheels
• Caney Creek Corn
• Dippin' Dots
• Eatery Huts
• Fruit 'n Cream Hut Inc.
• George's Fun Foods
• Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House
• LC Restaurant
• Lee's Concessions
• Lemonade and More
• Little Jimmy's Italian Ice
• Paisan's Pizza and Bar
• Salt Creek Barbecue
• Suzie's Fun Foods
• The Strawberry Patch

Wednesday, July 4

Navistar Main Stage

2 p.m.: Pete Ellman Brass Quintet Big Band

3:30 p.m.: The Buckinghams

5:30 p.m.: Melissa Etheridge

7:30 p.m.: Stray Cats

Nissan South Stage

12:30 p.m.: Joyce Lane (BOTB)

2 p.m.: Lime Forest

3:30 p.m.: OMT Band

5 p.m.: Junkyard Groove

6:30 p.m.: The Chicago Experience

8 p.m.: Billy Croft and the Five Alarm

Thursday, July 5

Navistar Main Stage

4:30 p.m.: The Semple Band

6:30 p.m.: J Boog

8:30 p.m.: Pitbull

Nissan South Stage

3:30 p.m.: Big Brothers Vinyl

5 p.m.: Mix Tape Junkies

6:30 p.m.: True Company

8 p.m.: Libido Funk Circus

Friday, July 6

Navistar Main Stage

5:30 p.m.: Jordan Davis

7 p.m.: Chris Janson

8:30 p.m.: Jake Owen

Nissan South Stage

2 p.m.: Saddle Up Saloon and Dance Hall Line Dancing

3:30 p.m.: Wild Daisy

5 p.m.: Common Allies

6:30 p.m.: Seventh Heaven

8 p.m.: The Messengers

Saturday, July 7

Navistar Main Stage

5 p.m.: The Sisterhood Band

8:30 p.m.: Steven Tyler and the Loving Mary Band

Nissan South Stage

12:30 p.m.: Billy Martin

2 p.m.: Four Aces and a Queen

3:30 p.m.: Underwater People

5 p.m.: Alt 101

6:30 p.m.: Lil' Red and the Howlin' Wolves

8 p.m.: Big Dog Mercer

What are you most excited to do at Naperville Ribfest 2018? Let us know in the comments.

Image credit: Pixabay, dolvita 108