While we make every effort to ensure events are up-to-date, some may have been postponed or canceled. We recommend checking with the venue or organization before attending any of the following events.
2025 Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest
May 23 - May 26
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It’s Barbeque, Bands & Brew Memorial Day Weekend – Friday, May 23rd thru Monday, May 26th 2025
It is almost time for Summer, and that means it’s time for Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest. Begun back in 1999, Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest is Northeast Ohio’s Premier Kick-Off-To-Summer Event.
The festival is produced by the Berea City Club—a group of local business owners who promote positive civic initiatives for the betterment of the City of Berea. It is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization originally established back in 1998. Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest quickly became the organization’s signature event. Berea City Club has raised over a Million Dollars for various clubs, organizations, and projects in the City of Berea over the past 26+ years!
Popular for its Family Picnic-Style Atmosphere, the 26th Annual Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds begins on Friday, May 23rd at noon and extends throughout the Memorial Day Weekend, wrapping up Monday evening, May 26th at 7PM.
Admission is FREE from noon till 5PM on Friday and then just $10 all weekend long (Friday after 5PM, Saturday, Sunday and Monday) and kids under 12 are admitted for free! On Monday (Memorial Day) all retired and active military personnel showing military ID will be admitted for FREE to the event. Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest is a Rain or Shine Event. As always, FREE PARKING ALL WEEKEND LONG.
Eleven (11) Rib Teams will compete from all over the United States in hopes of garnering one of the three (3) major awards: Best Ribs, Best Sauce and People’s Choice. Your vote counts and winners will be announced on Memorial Day afternoon at the Main Stage.
With the continued popularity of craft beer in the Cleveland Market, Beverage Distributors will offer local selections from the Brew Kettle, Collision Bend and Sun Cruiser along with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, White Claw Seltzer, and more.
The Affordable Family Fun includes a Kids Activity Area with a Rock-Climbing Wall, a Super-Slide, Swings and more.
Enjoy a showcase of a wide variety of musical entertainment spanning generations and genres that will take the Southwest General Health Center Stage throughout the weekend. Musical Entertainment is FREE with your paid cook-off gate admission.
For open times of the festival, musical performance times and festival admission information, visit BereaRib.com. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, scheduled attractions and performance times are tentative and subject to change without notice.
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