McKeesport Rib Fest offers more than food
The four-day event features music, fireworks, crafts and a car show.
Barbecue and fun are set to end the summer this weekend with an annual tradition in McKeesport.
Known for attracting many of the region’s top barbecue chefs, the McKeesport Rib Fest is an annual Labor Day weekend event that wraps up McKeesport’s Summer Concert Series in Renziehausen Park.
“We are very excited to close out our summer recreation season with the Renzie Rib Fest once again,” Mayor Mike Cherepko said. “This event has grown over the years to include some great vendors, bands and additional activities.”
The Rib Fest will feature regional BBQ and grill favorites, and vendors start serving at 5 p.m. Friday and at noon Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There will be concerts, a car cruise and a fireworks display to close out the celebration.
Vendors include Red Barn BBQ, Rogue BBQ, Big Girls BBQ, Robbie’s Ribs, TKO Gyros, Lions Club Fryer Station, and Lions Hometown Favorites & Concessions.
Dave Coleman, owner of Big Girls BBQ in Elrama, said the business has been going to the event for many years. They will be selling ribs, brisket, pulled pork, pulled pork nachos, half chickens, turkey ribs, collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad and more.
“We enjoy going there,” RIB FEST •A4
“It’s all of the great food and entertainment you’ll find at a big-city festival without having to drive to Pittsburgh.”
DAN CARR
MCKEESPORT RIB FEST COORDINATOR Coleman said. “It is nice and close to home, and it’s not far for us.”
All concerts will be at the McKeesport Lions band shell. Admission and parking are free throughout the event, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
Friday night will feature Beatlemania Magic at 7 p.m., and Saturday will have a 3 p.m. performance from Rock This Town Orchestra, followed by BB Steal ’80s Live at 7 p.m.
Sunday will feature Airborne at 3 p.m. and Aftermath Experience the ’60s band at 7 p.m. while Monday will showcase The Vogues at 3 p.m. and The Booze Brothers at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks.
The McKeesport Lions craft show will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, and the Lions car show starts at 5 p.m. Sunday.
“We encourage Mon Valley residents to take part in our festivities here in Renzie Park over the holiday weekend,” event coordinator Dan Carr said. “It’s all of the great food and entertainment you’ll find at a big-city festival without having to drive to Pittsburgh.”
