SIOUX FALLS (KELO AM) - RibFest is returning to the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls, thanks to a successful transition to its new home last year which saw record-breaking attendance.
The 18th Annual RibFest kicks off today at the Fairgrounds and runs through Sunday. SMG Sioux Falls, which has produced the annual kick-off to summer each year, is working with a new partnership team that includes title sponsor Campbell’s Supply, the Sioux Empire Fair Association and Pepper Entertainment.
Campbell’s—the home of “Your Friends in the Red Shirts”—is this year’s title sponsor.
RibFest hours are the same as last year-- Thursday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The music stage goes live at 5 p.m. each night. The Thursday night line-up features headliner Warrant, preceded by Firehouse and Pop Rocks.
Friday night’s headliner Cheap Trip will be supported by American Scarecrows, Goodroad, and SGT Rock.
Saturday’s lineup features Montgomery Gentry, Uncle Kracker, Dustin Evans and the Good Times Band, and Big Red Rawkit Riot.
RibFest hours are Thursday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Admission is $5 Thursday, and $15 for Friday and Saturday each, or an all-weekend pass for $25. Special VIP area tickets are also available for $50 each night or all-weekend for $75.
RibFest will be open to the public free of charge on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Military members plus one guest receive free admission throughout the entire event.
RibFest is sponsored in part by Indian Motorcycle, John Morrell Co., Beal Distributing, South Dakota Corn Growers, Johnson Brothers Famous Brands, Dakota Beverage, Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort, the 1st National Bank in Sioux Falls, Paradigm Construction, and Cleavers.
Parents and kids alike will enjoy the annual KidzFest on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. with free admission for all thanks to sponsor Sanford Children’s.
All eight of the national award-winning rib vendors from last year are returning and will vie for the coveted People’s Choice and Critic’s Choice awards for cash prizes and trophies.