The Clarks, with guitarist Rob James, play their annual Acrisure Stadium Labor Day weekend show. (Photo courtesy of The Clarks).
(Story by Beaver County Radio Staff)
Popular rib festival returns with fan favorites alongside exciting new amenities
PITTSBURGH – Tasty barbecue and catchy tunes will reign Labor Day weekend at the annual Kickoff and Rib Festival at Acrisure Stadium.
Presented by I.C. Light. the western Pennsylvania staple marks the kickoff of
football season and will run Aug. 28 through Sept. 1.
The annual festival offers 12 nationally recognized rib vendors, plus football, free concerts, food and other fun for all. Admission to the festival grounds is free. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
New 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 World Wrestling Entertainment championship belts.
On Aug. 29, from 6–8 p.m., Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren will
sign autographs at the PA Pork Council booth.
The Kickoff and Rib Festival has a rich history of musical acts that have performed at the festival and gone onto remarkable success — artists such as Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Brothers Osbourne, Chris Janson, LoCash, Eli Young Band and Midland, along with previously well-established acts like Bret Michaels, Charlie Daniels, Travis Tritt, Kansas, The Outlaws, Night Ranger, Bad Company, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, 38 Special and Phil Vassar.
Again, there will be free performances throughout the festival, including popular Pittsburgh rockers The Clarks and innovative Nashville singer-songwriter Redferrin, coming off of two hit songs this year with “Just Like Johnny” and “Jack and Diet Coke.” He is the newest member of Pittsburgh’s Taylor Gang Management.
The Aug. 30 activities include the Duquesne University versus University of Pittsburgh football game at noon.
The entertainment lineup:
Aug. 29: The Clarks at 9 p.m. with opening act Poster Child at 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 30: Post Game Street Party with DJ Steve Maffei Jr. from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 31: Redferrin at 9 p.m. with opening act Junior Guthrie and The Push at 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 1: BBQ & Blues Monday featuring Pittsburgh blues acts Guitar Zack at 1:30 p.m.;
Jimmy Adler Band at 3 p.m.; House of Soul at 4:30 p.m.; Billy Price at 6:30 p.m.
Festival hours are noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 29-31 and noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 1.
Free activities daily include the “Freak” Zone; beer and cocktail beverages, a prize wheel and other contests, vehicle and power tools displays and The FedEx Great Hall featuring Steelers memorabilia including Steelers Super Bowl trophies. The Steelers Pro Shop will also be open, plus rides, games and vendors.
Guests also can also visit the 2026 NFL Draft Mobile Exhibit located next to the Hall of Honor Museum tent. The exhibit celebrates western PA’s rich football history and ties to the NFL Draft.
Also, test your Skills at the Steelers Experience (on the Friday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday) and meet mascot Steely McBeam (Sunday and Monday.)