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 high energy pop and modern rock from KC & Company, followed by all your favorite Motown and soul from festival favorite, Cruisin’, 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!
CORVETTE CLEVELAND
When: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 from 2pm to 8pm
On Saturday, from 2pm until 8pm, Corvette Cleveland will have on display an array of 40 classic Corvettes. They will have cars from 1955 all the way up to the new 2024 Mid Engine Corvette with over 500 HP and everything in between. In April of 2024, Corvette Cleveland was awarded 1st Place for “Best Display” at the IX Piston Power Auto-Rama Show, with all of the 6 corvettes they had on display finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd Place in their respective classes. All the Corvettes will be on display behind the main stage for your inspection!
They will also be featuring a miniature 2026 electric Corvette that will be raffled off July 26th at Corvette @ Corsa to benefit Ohio Guidestone (formerly Berea Children’s Home). Tickets are $2. All proceeds from the Corvette @ Corsa show and raffle go to Ohio Guidestone. Over the past 23 years, Corvette Cleveland has raised over $135,000.00. The Corvette @ Corsa show is also in Berea and draws 200-300 Corvettes from around the Midwest.
Celebrating their 69th anniversary, Corvette Cleveland was founded in 1957 and is one of the oldest Corvette clubs in the nation. They have over 200 members who race, show, rally, autocross and tour with their Corvettes. The only membership requirements are that one be 18 years of age and own a Corvette.
Corvette Cleveland is a Lifetime Business Member of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. It is also a member of the East Ohio Region of the National Council of Corvette Clubs, of which it is a founding member. Their competition events are governed by the rules established by the NCCC Competition Director and his committee of Governors from clubs throughout the country.
A non-profit organization, Corvette Cleveland supports local charities as well as NCCC’s official charity (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, StJude.org).
Stop back at the amazing Corvette display behind the stage to pick up a FREE People’s Choice Award ballot and VOTE for your favorite Corvette.
YOU are going to pick a WINNER and the Trophy will be presented at 7:30pm, Saturday, May 23rd.
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?
