(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Acrisure Stadium)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) Acrisure Stadium Management recently announced the return of the annual Kickoff and Rib Festival, which will run from Thursday, September 3rd through Monday, September 7th, presented by I.C. Light.
This annual Labor Day event brings together some of the top barbecue pitmasters for a weekend of ribs that fall off of the bone, live music, and fun for the whole family, while also marking the beginning of football season in western Pennsylvania.
According to a release from Acrisure Stadium, here is more information about this event:
This year, the 2025 Kickoff and Rib Festival Champion, Off the Bone BBQ, will return to defend its title against a stacked lineup of regional and national favorites. This year’s roster includes— Afterhours, Bad Azz BBQ, Carolina Rib King, Cowboy’s BBQ & Rib Co., Jim’s Smokin Que, Mojo’s, Off The Bone BBQ, Pigfoot BBQ, Ribbins BBQ, Smokin T’s BBQ, Swine BBQ, and R&G Smoke Shack—each bringing their own signature style, rubs, and sauces to the competition. Attendees can expect everything from classic dry-rubbed racks to ribs drenched in sauces ranging from tangy to sweet. The variety of vendors ensures there will be something for every rib enthusiast’s palate. Judged by a celebrity panel, the 2026 PA Pork Pitmaster Awards will crown a first-place grand champion who will receive an authentic Wild Cat Championship belt. Adding to the festival atmosphere will be University of Pittsburgh football, free concerts, and fun for all. Admission to the festival grounds is free. Food and drink and admission to the Panthers football game will be available for purchase.
FESTIVAL HOURS each day are as follows:
Thurs., Sept. 3, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 4, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sat., Sept.5, 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 6, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 7, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
FREE PERFORMANCES throughout the festival, including:
Fri., Sept. 4 – DJ Bonics at 7:30 p.m. and West 22nd at 9:00 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 5 – Post-game Street party with DJ Steve Maffei Jr. from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 6 – Junior Guthrie and The Push at 7:30 p.m. and The Jack Wharff Band at 9:00 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 7 – BBQ & Blues Monday with House of Soul at 3:00 p.m., Guitar Zack at 4:30 p.m. and
Billy Price at 6:30 p.m.
FREE ACTIVITIES DAILY:
The Jim Beam Experience; new drink offerings from Tito’s, High Noon, I.C. Light and Jim Beam (available for purchase throughout the festival grounds); I.C. Light Booth prize wheel and other contests, and new Chevrolet vehicle displays. The FedEx Great Hall will be open featuring Steelers memorabilia including Steelers Super Bowl Trophies. The Steelers Pro Shop will also be open, plus rides, games, vendors and more! Also, test your skills at the Steelers Experience and meet Steely McBeam.