Ribs and music come together as one
The Butler Rib & Music Fest has a new date and location this year, but people in the city will probably still be able to find the event by following the smells and the sounds.
The event takes place Friday, Aug. 4, to Sunday, Aug. 6, at Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park — instead of over Memorial Day weekend time at the Butler Farm Show grounds — but the event’s producer, Sal Richetti, said it will retain the same feel.
“I would hope it would grow it,” Richetti said of the change in venue. “I've got great tribute bands, rib vendors, adult beverages, a kids zone. I think it's probably the biggest one in Butler.”
According to Richetti, the event will have several rib vendors, some of which are returning from previous years, as well as daily musical acts, which will provide entertainment throughout the three-day festival. There will also be other food vendors, as well as an adult beverage tent.
The musical acts include a Guns N’ Roses tribute band, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, a Motley Crüe tribute band as well as a rock trio.
Richetti said many people attend the festival as both barbecue enthusiasts and music-lovers.
“That's why it's called rib and music fest,” Richetti said. “The entertainment, it's regional ... I try to bring an experience to Butler that people don’t get every day.”
Admission to the festival is $7 per person per day, but a VIP pass costs $20 and allows access for all three days as well as free parking. Otherwise, parking by the stadium costs $5.
More than 4,000 people attended the rib and music fest over its four days last year, and Richetti said he hopes to see that attendance at least matched this year. He said visitors of the event should expect “great bands and award-winning ribs.”
“Come hungry and get ready to eat some delicious ribs and hear some great music,” Richetti said.
The fest takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. A full schedule and more information on the festival can be found at butlerribandmusicfest.com.
