Ribs, Live Music, Fireworks: Debut 'Tinley Country Fest' Fires Up A Jam-packed July 4 Weekend

TINLEY PARK, IL — The organizers behind Tinley Park's Rib Fest have brought back some of its hottest highlights— barbecue, live music, family fun and fireworks—in a debut event they hope has the makings of a community tradition.

Set for July 3–5 at the 80th Avenue Metra lot, Tinley Park's Country Fest brings a lineup of live music straight from Nashville complemented by local favorites, paired with rib offerings from national pitmasters. The fest also features a carnival, to keep it family-friendly. Fireworks will fly Friday night, one of two fireworks shows in Tinley Park for the July 4 weekend.

"We’re excited to bring Country Fest to the community," said Shannon McAuliffe, of Family Festivals Inc. "We had a really good outcome at RibFest. We took that over and turned it into Country Fest."

Tinley Park's RibFest ran in 2023 and 2024, drawing 40,000 across four days, according to the Country Fest website. The turnout highlighted the appeal of a festival of this size and type, organizers said.

The 2026 launch of Country Fest is especially significant, organizers said, as it coincides with America's 250th Anniversary. The milestone creates a "unique opportunity to introduce Country Fest in a bigger way while laying the groundwork for an event that will continue year after year."

Organizers for this year's event have smoothed out some pain points learned through RibFest.

"We tried to fix some of the problems we experienced at Rib Fest—parking, and long lines.

Key to this year's fest is a shuttle that will take attendees from parking, to the gate. The shuttle will pick up at the Oak Park Avenue Metra lot, 6800 Hickory St., and Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., McAuliffe said. Service will be continuous, with drop-off and pickup at the 80th Avenue Metra Lot, 18001 S. 80th Ave.

"Skip the hassle, park once, and let us do the driving while you enjoy live music, great food, carnival rides, fireworks, and all the excitement of Country Fest!" organizers said.

Admission is $15, and tickets can be purchased online. Tinley Park residents are half-price on Friday and Sunday, and free on Saturday. Lines have been designed to run more smoothly, McAuliffe said, hoping for less hassle and wait.

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

Friday, July 3

• 2 to 3 p.m.: House of Music Student Bands
• 4 to 7 p.m.: Woulda, Coulda Shoulda

• 8 to 11 p.m.: Ashley Walls

Saturday, July 4

• 1 to 4 p.m.: The Walk-Ins
• 5 to 7:30 p.m.: Whiskey Friends
• 8 to 11 p.m.: Eric Chesser

Sunday, July 5

• 12 to 1 p.m.: House of Music Student Bands
• 1 to 4 p.m.: Billy Gray Music, Line dancing instruction by Estelle
• 5 to 8 p.m.: Knievel Daredevil Band, granddaughter and Daughter of Evil and Robbie Knievel

Pitmasters from across the country will bring their best ribs, including Carolina Catering, Chicago BBQ, Texas Lightning, Aussum Aussie, Big Show BBQ, Branding Iron and Local 1.

Food and drink sold separately.

Local food and business favorites will also be for purchase on-site, including: Durbins, Teehan's, Rainbow Cone, Kona Ice, Hailstorm Brewing and more. Local One, The Lucky Dog and others will also be available. Tinley Park Bulldogs will man a booth selling corn on the cob.

Artisans and other vendors will be offered, with some including Everlinked Jewelry, Mike Klein Caricatures and more.

Fest hours are:

• Friday, July 3: 2 to 11 p.m., Fireworks show at dusk
• Saturday, July 4: 12 to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, July 5: 12 to 8 p.m.

Sponsors include MillerCoors, Gas N Wash, Pete’s Fresh Market, Jack Daniel’s, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Carbliss and more.

Listen daily on 99.5 FM for a chance to win tickets leading up to the event, McAuliffe said.