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 27+ years!

Popular for its Family Picnic-Style Atmosphere, the 27th Annual Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds begins on Friday, May 22nd at noon and extends throughout the Memorial Day Weekend, wrapping up Monday evening, May 25th at 7PM.

Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest is a Rain or Shine Event. Admission is FREE from noon till 5PM on Friday and then just $10 after 5PM. Then just $10 on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with kids under 12 admitted for free! On Monday (Memorial Day) all retired and active military personnel showing military ID will be admitted for FREE to the 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.

“We are incredibly excited to continue our partnership with the Berea Rib Cook-Off, now entering over 11 years,” said [Yuengling State Manager, Jim Herron]. “This event perfectly captures the spirit of summer with great food, great beer, and great company. Being part of the festival to America’s 250th celebration makes it even more meaningful for our brewery and our fans.”

Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off welcomes Ohio Beverage Distributing to this year’s festival. They will feature premium canned cocktails from Carbliss, as well as a craft beer selection from Goose Island, Sibling Revelry, and Thirsty Dog.

Enjoy a showcase of a wide variety of musical entertainment spanning generations and genres that will take the Southwest General Stage throughout the weekend. Musical Entertainment is FREE with your paid cook-off gate admission. The Family Fun includes a Children’s Activity Area with Bungee Trampoline, Inflatable Bounce House and the ever-popular Rock-Climbing Wall.