Ribfest Gets to Rock'n Start With Teen Band Competition

The largest event to hit Merrimack annually starts today at 4 p.m. when the gates to the annual Rock'n Ribfest let in crowds of hungry barbecue lovers for a weekend of food, music, and family fun.

Ribfest is sponsored annually by Rotary of Nashua West.

Vendors from around the country will set up a midway of finger lickin' good food while amateur ribbers will prep their own smoked and grilled meats in the background for the New England Barbecue Society contest.

Around the grounds of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery a kids midway will feature games, inflatables, roaming clowns, McDonny’s Farm petting zoo and more.

Music, as always, will be a big part of the event, with musical acts on the main stage all three days of Ribfest.

In addition to local acts that play in bars and clubs and events around the region, Friday night plays host to the annual teen band contest. This year's contest consists of five bands: Obsydian, Four Noble Truths, Lucid,This is Mutiny and Wildfoot. Click on their names to get a sneak peek at what you're in for tonight.

The teens will play from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on June 14. The top two placers in the contest will get a chance to play the main stage during the height of Ribfest on Saturday and Sunday.

While today is expected to get a rainy start, the rain is expected to taper off by midday and, according to Weather.gov, this evening and the rest of the weekend should hold primo weather for a few hours or a whole day spent out at Ribfest.

Want to a taste of what a Grand Champion Barbecue Competition Team can grill up? Get tickets for the Friday evening barbecue tasting. According to the Ribfest website, "Tickets are available online until June 10 for $20 per ticket, or at the event. The ticket price includes admission to Ribfest for Friday, five tastings, and cooking demonstrations by The Meat House and Denny Mike’s Sauces and Seasonings. 

"The evening kicks off at 7 with a cooking demonstration at the Main Dining Tent by Denny Mike.  After Denny’s cooking demo, head over to the Competition Area for tastings. Professional BBQ Teams who are at Ribfest to compete for the NH State BBQ Championship will be preparing tri-tip beef for tasting and judging by Ribfest attendees.   Tasting times are from 7-8:30pm.  Jon McCallion of The Meat House will be on site all night doing a cooking demonstration and answering BBQ questions."

Looking for something to do Saturday night?

Join three New England-based comedians for an evening of laughs. The comedy show has 230 seats available. It begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, and tickets are $40.

On Sunday, Ribfest kicks off with a five-mile race to work up and healthy appetite. Runners get free admission to the event, two free beers and early access to the grounds after completing the run.

Spaces are still available but online registration closes at noon Friday, June 14. Race day registration available. Get more information here.

As always, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is open for free tours, the Clydesdales will be in the Hamelt for viewing and the gift shop will be open.

Below is a copy of the fulls schedule for the weekend.