One of Kalamazoo’s heritage festivals celebrates 30 years of BBQ, live entertainment and fun for the family this summer. The Neighborhood Michigan Ford Dealers Kalamazoo Ribfest is back on for August 4th, 5th, and 6th at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo, and continues as a benefit for the Arc Community Advocates.
This year, there will be an even bigger focus on local Kalamazoo rib vendors with the new ‘Best Ribs in Kalamazoo Tent’. On Thursday, Aug. 4, attendees can buy a $25 ticket that includes admission to the festival and access to the Best Ribs in Kalamazoo Tent where they’ll receive 10 sampling tokens to try from the local rib vendors who are competing. Be sure to vote for your favorite BBQ.
After the votes are tallied, the winner receives the right to a three-day vending space at next year’s event — and that’s not just some measly chump change. There’s a wait list of rib vendors vying to get in.
The current list of vendors in the local contest includes Arcadia Brewing Company, Big Moe’s BBQ, Bomba’s BBQ, J’Harvey’s BBQ, Lazy Man Bar-B-Que, M.S. Catering Services, Ol’ Moose BBQ, Salt-N-Pepper Catering and Smoked Down BBQ.
Thursday’s Best Ribs in Kalamazoo night is complemented by local entertainment, including a ‘Road to Ribfest’ contest where the community can vote for which local country band they’d like to see open up the stage. The Megan Rae Ban is also scheduled for Thursday, supporting headliner and Lansing-based country artist, Brian Lorente.
The festival will also feature national entertainment, including Vince Neil of Motley Crue on Friday night and R&B/Pop group, En Vogue headlining Saturday.
The Arc Community Advocates have been providing individual, family and systemic advocacy and training in Kalamazoo County for over 63 years. The services are free.
Buy discounted general admission tickets for $5 each (cash or check) and you’ll get a complimentary logoed Mason jar glass. For more info on the event and to buy tickets to the ‘Best Ribs in Kalamazoo Tent,’ go here.
