Pittsburgh Kickoff And Rib Festival 2025: What To Know

PITTSBURGH, PA — The annual Kickoff and Rib Festival, which marks the beginning of football season, is slated this year from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1.

The festival at Acrisure Stadium will feature 12 nationally recognized rib vendors, plus football, free concerts and food. Admission to the festival grounds is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

This year, the PA Pork Council will sponsor the rib judging and awards. The first-place grand champion will receive an authentic championship belt crafted by the designer of the WWE championship belts.

Steelers running back Jaylen Warren will sign autographs at the PA Pork Council booth on Aug. 28 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

The festival schedule:

• FRIDAY, AUG. 29: Festival Hours 12 – 11 p.m.

Pittsburgh Favorites, The Clarks at 9 p.m. with opening act Poster Child at 7:30 p.m.

• SATURDAY, AUG. 30: Festival Hours 12 – 11 p.m.

Post Game Street Party with DJ Steve Maffei Jr. from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

• SUNDAY, AUG. 31: Festival Hours 12 – 11 p.m.

Redferrin at 9 p.m. with opening act Junior Guthrie and The Push at 7:30 p.m.
Redferrin, Nashville’s singer-songwriter, is coming off of two hit songs this year with “Just Like Johnny” and “Jack and Diet Coke.”

• MONDAY, SEPT. 1: Festival Hours 12 – 9 p.m.

BBQ & Blues Monday featuring Pittsburgh’s Best Blues Lineup:
Guitar Zack at 1:30 p.m.
The Jimmy Adler Band at 3 p.m.
House of Soul at 4:30 p.m.
Billy Price at 6:30 p.m.