Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues Update

Madison Ribberfest will be taking a new approach for this year’s festival.

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(Madison, Ind.) - Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues, known as one of Indiana’s ‘Best Music Festivals’, and an official Indiana State BBQ Championship is now among the many events in the world affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The Ribberfest committee has determined that it is no longer feasible to continue planning for a full two-day event, but they are not ready to abandon the idea of having an event this year.

Madison Ribberfest will be taking a new approach for this year’s festival.

The Ribberfest committee is moving forward with the planning, and what is typically a two-day event will be reduced to one day, planned for Saturday, August 22. Some aspects of the event that make it what fans have come to know and love may change, but the heart of Ribberfest, BBQ & Blues, will remain at the forefront of the one-day event. 

“We are saddened that we aren’t having a full festival this year, but our committee is not ready to throw in the towel just yet,” says Katie Burress, Visit Madison/Madison Ribberfest Event Coordinator. She adds, “This event will be reduced to one day, will still provide a blues music experience as well as some other components of a typical Ribberfest. One thing to note is that we will be limiting the number of wristbands sold. We will be closely monitoring guidelines from local and state officials throughout the planning process and are aware guidelines could change, but we are still planning and moving forward for as long as we are able.” Dave Butler, Ribberfest Committee member since its inception in 2002 added, “We have been really excited about the show we put together for this year, so to say we are disappointed would be an understatement. However, we are already working hard to develop a one-day festival full of great blues music, food, and camaraderie. Hopefully, the pandemic will be resolved to the point that we can enjoy the festival and stay safe and healthy.”

More information will become available for this event as the committee plans. Chairpersons for the different aspects of the festival will be reaching out to stakeholders to discuss this year’s event. More information will be available in the coming weeks.

The Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues Committee members and the Visit Madison Board of Directors and staff would like to thank all of the sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, as well as the City of Madison for their support and patience during these uncertain times.