The inaugural Rock ‘n Rib Festival, a four-day food and music blast, kicks off Thursday adjacent to the BOK Center.
Presented by Rib Crib BBQ & Grill, the event starts at 11 a.m. and runs through Sunday. Patrons can enjoy four days of championship barbeque and performances by 13 regional bands.
Admission is free Thursday through Saturday before 1 p.m., courtesy of the Tulsa Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. It’s $3 any other time and kids under 12 get in free. The festival takes place on Third Street and Frisco Avenue. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Seven award-winning “pitmasters” from around the country will showcase their championship rib recipes and unique barbeque sauces. One vendor, Desperado’s BBQ of Hinckley, Ohio, took the top trophy at the “Best in the West Rib Cook-off” – the “Super Bowl” of the nation’s rib contests held annually on Labor Day Weekend in Reno, NV.
“We’re pleased to partner with the BOK Center to present the first annual Rock ‘n Rib Festival,” said Bret Chandler, president and CEO of Rib Crib. “Tulsa has a rich history in quality barbecue cuisine and great music, and we look forward to the city of Tulsa enjoying both with us.”
There will be food for everyone, including barbeque ribs, shrimp, beef, and chicken, soft drinks, and Anheuser-Busch products available for purchase.
Guests to the festival are invited to stop by the Rib Crib Welcome Tent for appearances by the “Rib Crib Girls” and free giveaways including coupons, bibs, barbecue sauce, and gift certificates.
Visitors can register for a chance to win a variety of prizes:
* A catered party for up to 50 people hosted by the Rib Crib Competition BBQ Team ($1500 value)
* A private suite for the Creed concert on October 9 at the BOK Center
Free live entertainment is scheduled daily on ONEOK Outdoor Stage, with Eric and the Blasters kicking off the event on Thursday, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Twelve other regional bands are slated to perform including Admiral Twin, Turnpike Troubadours, My Solstice, the Fabulous Midlife Crisis Band, and The Red Dirt Rangers.
On Friday, at 7 p.m., “Live Bait,” a Jimmy Buffett tribute band from Tampa, will treat the crowd to a beach party atmosphere, complete with beach balls, a limbo stick, and colorful leis.
More information on the Rock ‘n Rib Festival and profiles of all rib vendors and an entertainment schedule are available at www.bokcenter.com.