A list of Activities available at the 2026 Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest can be found below. Check back regularly for updates.
FRIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
When: Friday, May 22nd, 2026
FEATURING: BACK 2 THE FUTURE & REVOLUTION PIE
Friday night the fairgrounds will sizzle with the sounds of charring ribs along with American rock from Back 2 the Future, and a British invasion from acclaimed Beatles cover band, Revolution Pie. That’s right, we’ll be cooking up some good times.
Hot sauce, hot live music, and some of the best barbecue in the world. It couldn’t get any better than that… unless perhaps we were to offer free ribs? …Well, we aren’t, so it’s not going to get any better—but still, great food and great entertainment makes for a pretty fine evening. Note: Admission on Friday is FREE BEFORE 5PM, and $10 per person after 5PM.
SATURDAY ENTERTAINMENT
When: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
FEATURING: CRUISIN’, KC & COMPANY & IN THE HEARTLAND
Saturday, the Cook-Off will offer all your favorite Motown and soul from festival favorite, Cruisin’, followed by high energy pop and modern rock from KC & Company, and then we’ll finish off the day with In the Heartland, a Michael Stanley Band tribute featuring MSB guitarist Danny Powers. So head on down to the fairgrounds for some great music and eats!
MISS BEREA PRINCESS
When: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 from 11AM-1:00PM
You will not want to miss this year’s Miss Berea Princess pageant. Rumor has it that one of the candidates not only strives for world peace, but has secretly devised of a means to achieve it, which she’ll exhibit during the talent portion of the competition. While Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off in no way guarantees universal harmony will result, the world being what it is, we’re willing to give her a shot. Subject to availability, the winner will receive either a diamond studded tiara, brand new Jet Ski, or a bouquet and hearty round of applause.
SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENT
When: Sunday, May 24th, 2026
FEATURING: PAT SHEPARD, JAM MACHINE, & YOSEMITE SLIM
The fairgrounds will be rockin’ Sunday as Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off welcomes acclaimed local singer/songwriter, Pat Shepard, followed by Jam Machine, then we’ll cap off the evening with fantastic music from Yosemite Slim. So prepare to baste your senses with a spicy mix of tasty music.
MONDAY ENTERTAINMENT
When: Monday, May 25th, 2026
FEATURING: RTJ CHANDLER & THE ROADHOUSE BAND & OLD SKOOL
On Monday, we’ll get things started with a bit of country from RJ Chandler & the Roadhouse Band, then cap off the evening with a Hip-Hop celebration featuring one of the region’s best loved cover bands, Old Skool Cleveland. What could be more American?
