Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues

Rockin’ Blues, Barbeque, & Family Fun at Madison Ribberfest

The riverfront in Madison, Indiana will be rocking to the soulful sound of blues and the smoky aroma of BBQ for the 18^th annual Madison RibberFest Barbeque & Blues presented by Koehler Tire.  This two-day festival, August 16^th & 17^th along the scenic Ohio River in historic Madison, features regional and national blues bands, barbeque competitions, boat rides and more. It’s a fan favorite and was a 2016 Award Winner for Best of Indiana – Best Music Festival!

Fill up your plates, lick your fingers and settle in for the Craig Toyota Blues Bash – the best of live blues featuring nine great blues bands on Friday evening and all day Saturday, August 16 & 17 at Madison Ribberfest.  Friday night kicks off at 6:00 pm with the Laurie Jane & the 45’s followed by Wee Willie Walker and the We “R” Band and ending with headliner Mike Zito. On Saturday, music starts with Louisville’s own Big Poppa Stampley & Voodou Gumbo at 11:30 a.m. followed by Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Shawn Pittman, Altered Five Blues Band, Indigenous, and headliner Tommy Castro and the Painkillers with special guest Magic Dick will close out the festival.

Barbeque lovers get to see over 45 professional barbeque teams from around the country compete in the Indiana State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off for cash/prizes and a chance to represent Indiana at the Kansas City Barbeque Society’s world championship.  On Friday, Madison Courier sponsors the Backyard BBQ Blast cooking competition for amateurs and a Kidz “Q” for the youngsters on Saturday morning at 9:00a.m., sponsored by Kroger of Madison.

Riverboat cruises on the Queen City paddle wheeler will return, a 5K RibberRun/Ride on Saturday morning, the Pig Toss Corn Hole Tournament and the “Piglet Pen” children’s play area with inflatables, a magician, and free face painting – all round out the offerings for a great family weekend.  Check out the new and improved website www.madisonribberfest.com for details & registration.

No matter how you spell it — Barbeque, Barbecue or BBQ – it all tastes delish! So don’t miss Madison RibberFest: Barbeque & Blues August 16 and 17 in Madison, Indiana.

Two day wristbands are only $30.   Gates open at 5pm on Friday, August 16 and 11am on Saturday, August 17.   Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. On sale now through August 15^th at the Visitor’s Center – 601 West First Street (online through August 14^th). Wristbands are $35 at Gate, good for both days. To order wristbands or for information, call 800-559-2956 or visit www.madisonribberfest.com, see The Rest of the Fest tab.