CAROLINA BEACH — The Port City RibFest is settling into its new location, having moved from Wilmington to Carolina Beach, and this year is shifting from mid-fall to the end of summer.
According to producer and organizer Allen McDavid, “the location proved to be a good one in 2017, but the November dates were a little challenging.”
So, this year, McDavid is moving the festival to the end of summer, “which should enhance nighttime turnout,” he said.
This year’s RibFest will “feature national Rib Teams from four different states including last year’s Grand Champion ‘Off the Bone’ BBQ from Columbus, Ohio. Joining them will be Carolina Beach’s very own Island Men, a fraternal organization of Pleasure Island residents who raise money various for non-profits,” according to McDavid.
McDavid said his festival is aimed at barbeque fans more than the judges.
“Unlike BBQ cookoffs, where the BBQ is cooked for judges, not attendees, a RibFest is about serving the public first, competition is secondary,” McDavid said.
The RibFest will also feature live music from over ten artists, including Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, an Annapolis-based band that broke out with their debut studio album, “Pushing the Salmanilla Envelope.” The festival will also feature North Carolina’s own The Band of Oz and local favorites, L Shape Lot.
Hours for the 2018 Port City RibFest are:
- Friday, September 21: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Saturday, September 22: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sunday, September 23: Noon – 8 p.m.
Admission is $8 for adults, children 12 and under free. Seniors and active-duty military tickets are $6. “Good All Days passes” for the entire festival are $12 online. As with previous years, anyone arriving before 5 p.m. on Friday gets free admission.
The RibFest will be held on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk at 100 Cape Fear Boulevard. For more information, including profiles of “Rib Teams,” detailed live music schedules, and online tickets sales, visit the 2018 Port City RibFest website.
