Know Before You Go: Tinley Ribfest Set To Sizzle In Second Year

TINLEY PARK, IL — After a hit debut in 2023, Tinley Park's Ribfest is back for a second round, set for July 4–7. Officials expect this one to top last year's attendance, estimating the event will draw about 40,000 this year.

Event Wiz Inc. is set to host the four-day event from 2 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 through Saturday, July 6 and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 7 in the north parking lot at the 80th Avenue train station, 18001 S. 80th Ave.

The event features ribs, live music, free parking, and a fireworks display on July 4. We've rounded up all you need to know about the fest, but first—the fireworks!

A fireworks display will launch at 9:30 p.m July 4. There's an area for people to set up blankets and lawn chairs outside the event, so you don't have to be inside the fest to watch. Everyone is invited to click here when the fireworks get started to sync the show to music.

Admission

Entrance is $15 per person online at eventwizinc.com or at the gate. Children 3 and under are free. Tinley residents are free on July 4, with proof of residency. A Family Pack of four tickets is also offered for $55 for single-day admission.

Food, drinks and children’s ride tickets sold separately.

NOT ALLOWED INSIDE:

• Coolers
• Large bags
• Bike riding
• Rollerblading
• Skateboarding
• Unauthorized vehicles
• Concealed Carry

Security

Expect metal detectors at the entry point, and security will check bags, too. A youth supervision policy in place requires that all visitors age 17 and younger be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older.

There'll be extra security on-site, and in the air, with drones circling, officials said.

"Our public safety team conducts extensive planning and coordination for these type of events to keep our residents and visitors safe," said Village Manager Pat Carr. "We welcome everyone, but if you are here to disrupt and break the law we will arrest you.

"These events are for families to enjoy, and our public safety team is here to ensure that happens."

Ribs Lineup

• Austin’s Texas Lightning
• Chicago BBQ
• Armadillo’s BBQ
• Aussom Aussie
• Howling Coyote
• Blazin Broncos
• Branding Iron
• Git R Smoked
• Local One

Other Food Vendors

• Durbin’s Pizza
• Carolina’s Catering
• Salt Creek BBQ
• Maja’s Ice Cream
• Pineapple Shop
• Helen’s Kitchen
• Lemonade Stand
• Kona Ice

Parking

Free parking will be available in the south parking lot at the 80th Avenue train station. Handicapped parking will be available in the north lot just east of the event. Those interested in taking the train to Tinley Park Ribfest are invited to see the Metra schedule so they can plan their trip accordingly.

Due to Tinley Park Ribfest, the northwest lot at the 80th Avenue train station will be closed from now through Monday, July 8, and the northeast lot will be closed entirely from July 4 to July 7 for commuter parking. All south lots will remain open for commuter parking throughout the event.

Music And Entertainment Lineup

THURSDAY, JULY 4

• 2 to 4 p.m.: Neighborhood Blues Band
• 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Rok Brigade: Def Leppard Tribute band.

• 7 to 9:15 p.m.: Eric Chesser: traditional and contemporary country

KIDS ENTERTAINMENT

• 2 to 4 p.m.: Dave Fleming (Uncle Sam stilt walker/balloon animals)
• 4 to 7 p.m.: The Great Boodini (children’s entertainer, magician) – 4 to 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

• 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Block Party, classic rock cover band
• 5 to 7 p.m.: Anthem: covers Styx, Bon Jovi, Journey, Boston, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Rush, Foreigner, and Alice in Chains.

• 7:30 to 10 p.m.: Chicago Tribute Anthology: horns and authentic vocals help recreate the sound of one of the most popular and enduring bands of all time, Chicago

SATURDAY, JULY 6

• 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Caliente: Santana tribute band
• 5 to 7 p.m.: Heart 2 Heartbreaker: Heart and Pat Benatar cover band.

• 7:30 to 10 p.m.: Infinity: Favorites from Journey and more

SUNDAY, JULY 7

• 2:30 to 4 p.m.: Jonny Lyons and the Pride: rock and roll, country, blues, soul, surf and rockabilly

• 4:30 to 6 p.m.: Wall of Denial: tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan

• 6:30 to 8 p.m. Kashmir: a Led Zeppelin show using vintage stage gear, costumes and special effects.