McKeesport rib fest kicks off Friday at Renzie Park

A full weekend of musical entertainment will begin Friday evening with Beatlemania Magic.

Renzie Rib Fest, the annual Labor Day tradition, returns to Renziehausen Park in McKeesport this weekend with a familiar lineup of musical acts and food vendors.

The festival starts Friday at 5 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. From Saturday through Monday, it will be open from noon to 9 p.m.

Each concert starts at 7 p.m. with an additional 4 p.m. performance on Monday. Admission is free.

The event features four returning barbecue joints, Red Barn BBQ, Big Girls BBQ, Robbie’s Ribs and Rogue BBQ, along with TKO Gyros, Fries & More and additional concessions from McKeesport Lions Club.

On Friday, Beatlemania Magic will once again open the festival. The Beatles tribute band performs in attire that replicates the iconic group’s various outfits, while putting on their best English accents.

The band has performed at Renzie Rib Fest for many years, and drew quite the crowd last year.

The Fabulous Booze Brothers will close out the festival’s lineup Monday night, as they did last year. The group dresses in attire similar to the main characters of “The Blues Brothers.”

“The Renzie Rib Fest has an all-star lineup every year,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “We get some of our largest crowds for Beatlemania Magic and The Booze Brothers.”

Bon Journey, which has performed at Renzie Park in the past, takes the stage Saturday night. As its name suggests, the tribute band plays a mix of Bon Jovi and Journey songs.

The Jaggerz, another returning act, will play Sunday night. The band’s biggest hit is “The Rapper,” which was written by former member Donnie Iris and released in 1970.

Dancing Queen will perform at 4 p.m. Monday. The band plays disco and funk hits from the 1970s and 1980s.

The Renzie Rib Fest presents a more convenient alternative for those in the Mon Valley and surrounding areas.

“A lot of folks don’t want the hassle of going into Pittsburgh for a large-scale festival where they have to fight for parking or wait an hour in line to taste the food,” Cherepko said. “We have excellent vendors who serve community favorites every year, and I’d ask anyone to give us a chance if they haven’t before. I guarantee they won’t be disappointed.”