Elkhorn Ribfest 2025 Preview & Expert Tips

Get ready for the Midwest’s premier national rib showdown. Elkhorn Ribfest is back for its 9th annual celebration, kicking off July 9, 2025! For five flavorful days, you can savor mouthwatering BBQ crafted by some of the top Pit Masters from around the country.

We’ve been fans of Elkhorn Ribfest since day one, and it truly gets better every year. That’s why we’re excited to share some of our personal favorite vendors, along with more details about this can’t-miss event for BBQ lovers everywhere.

Event Date & Location

Elkhorn Ribfest kicks off this amazing 5-day event at the Walworth County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, July 9, and runs through Sunday, July 13.

Best of all—parking and admission are absolutely free!

Hours for the Event:

Wednesday: 3:00PM – 11:00PM

Thursday: 11:00AM – 11:00PM

Friday: 11:00AM – 11:00PM

Saturday: 11:00AM – 11:00PM

Sunday: 11:00AM – 9:00PM

Entertainment

Ribfest isn’t just about incredible BBQ. You can easily make a full day of it with live music, thrilling carnival rides, and a leisurely walk through the artisan village filled with unique finds.

Live Music – Each day at Ribfest features a jam-packed lineup of live performances from talented local bands and musicians. With two stages rocking throughout the event, there’s always great music playing—including some of your favorite hits. For the full music schedule, be sure to check out their website.

The Carnival – There’s fun for everyone with rides and games suited for all ages! You can grab individual tickets, or if you’re planning to ride all day, the all-day wristband is the way to go.

Artisan Vendor Alley – These vendors have some one-of-a-kind, handmade items, so be sure to take a stroll through their tents and displays to take a look and find your latest treasure.

Our Tried-and-True Favorites

If there’s one thing you should know about us—it’s that we’re serious about great food. When a festival like this serves up world-class BBQ, you can bet we’ll be there!

We’ve been attending Elkhorn Ribfest since its very first year and have had the chance to sample more than our fair share of smoky, savory goodness. While vendors have come and gone over the years, we’re happy to say that some of our top picks return time and time again.

With 14 BBQ vendors on the roster this year, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’re sharing a few of our longtime favorites—be sure to add these to your must-try list!

Our Favorite Ribs

Aussom Aussie – It was no surprise when these guys took home the Grand Champion title in the Pro Division back in 2023. We found ourselves going back for seconds (and thirds)! Their Raspberry Chipotle BBQ Sauce is absolutely unforgettable—definitely a must-try.

Salt Creek – We tried Salt Creek for the first time a couple of years ago, and let’s just say—we’ve been missing out. Their ribs had the perfect caramelized crust and were fall-off-the-bone tender. A new favorite for sure!

Just North of Memphis – If you’re a fan of dry-rub ribs, don’t skip this booth. These ribs are packed with flavor thanks to their incredible blend of spices—no sauce needed.

Mr. Greens – A local favorite! Mr. Greens won Grand Champion in the Pro Division in 2021 and snagged the People’s Choice award in 2023 and 2024. Their ribs never disappoint and keep locals and visitors coming back for more.

    Beyond the Ribs: BBQ Must-Trys

    While we’re all about a tender, flavorful rack of ribs, Ribfest has so much more to offer—and some dishes are simply too good to pass up. In fact, we found ourselves coming back for these two items almost daily last year. Trust us, you’ll want to try them too.

    Outback Mac – This hearty BBQ pork sandwich is piled high with creamy mac and cheese, all served on a soft pretzel bun. It’s one of our all-time favorite sandwiches at Ribfest and can be found at the Aussom Aussie booth.

    Lone Star Stack – We discovered this one back in 2023, and it quickly climbed into our top five favorite Ribfest dishes. Picture this: a slice of jalapeño cornbread topped with mac and cheese, tender brisket, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. It’s rich, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable.

    Our Favorite Dessert

    Peach Bread Pudding – When it comes to dessert, this one’s a clear winner. The Peach Bread Pudding from Just North of Memphis is the perfect sweet ending to your BBQ feast. Pro tip: grab it early in the week—it’s so popular, it usually sells out by the final day!

      Helpful Tips to Make the Most of Ribfest

      Go with a Group & Share the Feast – With so many incredible BBQ vendors, it’s nearly impossible to try everything on your own. Head to Ribfest with friends or family, split up, grab a half or full rack from different spots, and meet back up to sample and share. You can always circle back for more of your favorites!

      Don’t Stop at Ribs – While the spotlight is on ribs—and they’re absolutely worth it—don’t overlook the rest of the menu. From brisket and pulled pork to mac and cheese, smoked chicken, nachos, and classic BBQ sides, there’s a whole world of flavor to explore.

      Bring Both Cash & Cards – Most food vendors accept both cash and cards, but keep in mind that beer and wine purchases are card-only. It’s best to have both payment options handy for a smooth experience.

      Grab a Drink While You Wait – Yes, the lines can get long—but the food is worth every minute. Make the wait more enjoyable by grabbing a cold beer or a glass of wine from the beverage tent before hopping in line.

      Take Home the Flavor – Many vendors sell their award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs on-site. If you discover a favorite, don’t miss the chance to take some home and bring Ribfest flavors to your own grill.

      Wrap Up: Elkhorn Ribfest

      Elkhorn Ribfest’s motto is “Good food! Good music! Good times!” And that is exactly what you can expect at this incredible event! For more details about the largest BBQ Festival in Wisconsin, be sure to check out their website.

      We will be there every day highlighting our latest mouthwatering bite and will be sharing more insider tips.

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