Labadie Rib Fest returns, bringing barbecue, music, and more, to Veterans Park this summer

Ribs, live music, and special events work together during the Labadie Rib Fest to raise money for local nonprofits.

The Labadie Rib Fest takes place in Veterans Memorial Park on Bay City’s West Side from Thurs., July 24 through Sun., July 27.

Nine barbecue experts from Michigan, Virginia, Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Australia will compete in the festival. The vendors include:
 

• That Guy’s BBQ from Bay City
• Smokin Bob BBQ from Gladwin
• Bad Wolf BBQ from Freeland
• Aussom Aussie from Sydney, Australia
• Moonshine BBQ from McKee, Ky.
• Johnson’s BBQ from Chesapeake, Va.
• Blazin Bronco BBQ from Port St. Lucie, Fla.
• Jim’s Smokin Que from Homestead, Pa.
• Git R Smoked, Louisville, Ky.

Musical acts are always a highlight of the annual festival. This year’s line-up includes:

• Thurs., July 24: Jump, a Van Halen Tribute, with special guest Moving in Stereo (The Cars Tribute). Gates open at 5 p.m.
• Fri., July 25: Sebastian Bach, the original voice of 1980s band Skid Row, with special guest Great White. Gates open at 5 p.m.
• Sat., July 26: Blue Oyster Cult. Gates open at 5 p.m.
• Sun., July 27: Country music star Trace Adkins with special guest Family Tradition. Gates open at 4 p.m.

Concert tickets are available online.

Other highlights of the festival include a Ride to Rib Fest on Sat., July 26. The ride starts at Holeshot Harley Davidson in Mount Pleasant. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. and kick stands are up at 1 p.m. More information and tickets are available online.

A 5-K run and walk is set for Sun., July 27 starting on John F. Kennedy Drive. Information and registration is available online.

Registration is open now for a cornhole tournament on Fri., July 25 and Sat., July 26. Information and registration are available online.

Other special events include:

• Charity Celebrity Rib Cook Off is Fri., July 25 from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is free during the cook-off. Local media personalities will be cooking to raise money for local nonprofit organizations.
• Family Day is Saturday with free admission from 11 a.m. to noon.
• Four nights of local bands performing in the Budweiser Beer Tent. The entertainment tent open at the same time as the festival .
• Musical acts, dance groups, magic shows, contests, and more come to the Family Entertainment Stage throughout the festival.
• Little Piggy Marketplace is home to more than 40 area craft vendors.
• A Kids Zone features pig racing, a petting zoo, bubble party, and more.

A daily festival pass is $10. A four-day pass for the festival is $30. Kids 12 and under are free.