Naperville Ribfest, July 3-6, 2008

Scroll down for 2008 info

Naperville Ribfest

July 1-4, Knoch Park, Naperville

Entrance fee at the gate is $8 for adults; children 11 and under are free. Advance tickets are $7 from the Naperville Park District office and Naperville-area Jewel stores.

Vendors:

Armadillo's Rib and Que Company
Barbeque Company,
Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ
Cowboys Barbecue
Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co.
Famous Dave's
Fast Freddy's Electric BBQ Ribs
Howling Coyote Southwest BBQ
The Howling Coyote Southwest BBQ
Johnson's BBQ
Mo Jo's Ribshack
Pigfoot BBQ Company
Porky N Beans
Rasta Joes BBQ
Jamaican Style BBQ
Sgt. Oink's Pit BBQ
Texas Outlaws BBQ
Uncle Bubs BBQ

Has anyone been to this thing in the past? How is it and how are the prices compared to say taste of chicago?

I have been to Ribfest (Naperville) a couple times over the last several years, but haven't been in the last year or two. I used to hate the Taste, and Ribfest (Naperville) was my favorite Chicago festival.

However, I must say that I now have a greater tolerance for Taste on the culinary side of things since the offerings have expanded beyond pizza, pizza, and more pizza. However, at the same time, I've found the "off" times at Taste have become increasingly crowded, and I'm barely able to move within the crowd, which I hate.

As far as Ribfest, there is an admission fee. I dislike admission fees. However, I have really enjoyed the uniqueness of the festival and was initially surprised by how big of an event this is. As with Taste, be sure to plan for an off-peak time for visiting. On a nice day, it is fun to eat at Ribfest and also walk around downtown and the Riverwalk.

As far as pricing, there are so many variables, that's it's hard to make a comparison, but for me, I think my cost is about the same at both. However, I must say that I'm a small eater, and I don't try to "stuff" myself at either venue.

I used to go to Ribfest twice each year. One afternoon to sample multiple ribs, and then again on the 4th, when admission is free, to pick up a few slabs and sit outside to watch the fireworks (I live in N'ville, so these are my local foreworks).

There usually are one or two decent ribs out of the selection, but it is not that easy to know which. Because of the volume and process, they mostly smoke, hold, and then grill, or just smoke and hold. And then they bathe them in sauce if you do not ask them not to.

Prices are not bad, but not cheap. A slab with somes sides is in the range of $14 if I recall, and there are samplers and sandwiches in the $5-$7 range. If you agree to get banded as a designated driver you get free pop - there usually has been a tent for this just a little inside the entrance. Drinks and sides are around $5.

The music can be good, though I cannot say I go too often. Besides the fourth and the night the headliner band plays, the crowds are manageable.

After years of wondering what a ribfest would be all about (mmm, ribs as far as the eye can see) - we went last year. It was a hot day. The cold beer was good. The ribs were eh and the sauces eh too - sampling the ribs and sauces especially some of the award winning ones left me wondering why/how some of these people were competing. At the one place I asked for brisket - I got a tray of shredded/pulled meat. It tasted good - better smoky flavour than all the ribs, but I was expecting a slice/slab of meat.

I suppose it is more of an event with passable food available.($3 or $4 for a corn on the cob!) - Maybe I would have enjoyed it better if I had stayed for Ted Nugent (I think it was), I don't know.

Ribfest 2008
http://www.ribfest.net

July 3-6

Entrance fee at the gate is $10 for adults. Children 11 and under are free.

Ticket pre-sales are available at the Naperville Park District and the following Jewel locations for $8:
1156 Maple, Lisle
2855 W. 95th St., Naperville
1200 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook
1759 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville
1227 Naper Blvd., Naperville
127 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville
125 Boughton, Bolingbrook
1157 Eola Road, Aurora

2008 vendors:

* Armadillo's Rib and Que Company
* Aussome Aussies Australian Barbecue Co.
* Butch's Smack Your Lips BBQ
* Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co.
* Famous Dave's
* Fast Freddy's Electric BBQ Ribs
* Howling Coyote Southwest BBQ
* Johnson's BBQ
* Mojo's Ribshack
* Pigfoot BBQ Company
* Porky N Beans
* Rasta Joes BBQ
* Sgt. Oink's Pit BBQ
* Smokin' Joe's
* Sweet Baby Ray's
* Texas Outlaws BBQ
* Uncle Bub's

I really do enjoy ribfest. As far as cost goes, it's actually pretty expensive compared to the taste. You pay an admission fee and then the portions are full restaurant prices. If you just want a taste portion, then it's $5 for usually 2-3 ribs. Compared to the "Taste of Chicago" a taste portion is 3 tickets($1.50) and a large portion tops out between 8-10 tickets ($4-5). Still an enjoyable event, but expect to spend a decent amount if you plan on sampling multiple places.

Back when I uesd to get free corporate sponsor tickets, and still lived in naperville Ribfest was ok. Free, and close is always good.

Not an event I will pay to go to, or travel into Naperville to attend nowdays. I prefer ribs on my smoker on my deck out here in the country, or taking a trip into Chicago and a visits to Honey 1, or Smoque for about the same price as a day at Ribfest costs. I also get better ribs,(gas included) and dont have to fight the crowds as much.

We've gone a few times but we had passes from one of the corporate sponsors, reserved parking by the gate, sets in the sky box by the main stage and free food. The ribs we got were always from the previous year's winner so I never tried anyone elses.

I know that the admission to this event may seem like a lot of money but it may soften the blow to remember that this is for a good cause. The money is used for the elimination of child abuse and domestic violence and several other causes.

I go to ribfest every year. It is a great time. You can also bring in a cooler as well with your own food. So you are not dependent on the vendor stuff. Also, Ted Nugent is playing on the 3rd, the most famous carnivore around.