If a massive cloud of smoke rises from the hills of western New Jersey’s Sussex County Fairgrounds at the end of June, locals needn’t worry. The aroma will simply signal the return of the 16th annual Rock, Ribs, and Ridges Festival, presented by Franklin Sussex AutoMall.
The premier three-day outdoor gathering returns from Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28. Slated for the weekend immediately following Father’s Day, the festival serves up a potent combination of 11 legendary rock and blues bands alongside the country’s top competitive pitmasters.
This year’s culinary lineup features an intense regional battle between defending champions and returning legends, all cooking up finger-licking barbecue and classic fixin’s:
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Rhythm and Ribz Smokehouse (East Orange, N.J.): Run by Nick “Chevy” Chevalier, the local favorite returns to defend its win of the prestigious Optimum People’s Choice Award, showcasing a succulent rib menu heavily influenced by Chevy’s Caribbean roots.
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Chicago BBQ (Burr Ridge, IL): Making the trek from Illinois, this decorated crew lands in Augusta to defend its dual titles from last year for Best Sauce and Best Ribs.
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Cowboys BBQ & Buck ‘Em BBQ (Ft. Worth, TX): After a one-year hiatus, pitmaster Enrique Vega returns from Texas to reclaim his spot at the top of the competitive grilling circuit.
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Texas Lightning (Austin, TX): Rounding out the deep Southwest contingent, this Austin-based team brings authentic, low-and-slow Lone Star state traditions to New Jersey.
The Optimum Stage: 3 Days of Continuous Music
The festival’s music schedule features continuous sets from chart-topping radio icons to generational blues virtuosos.
Friday, June 26: Arena Anthems & Royalty
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6:00 PM — Doors Open
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7:15 PM — The Super 70s Rock Show: Kicking off the weekend with a nostalgic trip through the favorite arena anthems and chart-topping radio hits of the 1970s.
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8:30 PM — Almost Queen: A marquee headlining performance delivery of the iconic four-part harmonies and theatrical presence made famous by Freddie Mercury and Queen.
Saturday, June 27: Blues Virtuosos & Southern Rock Giants
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12:00 PM — Doors Open
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1:00 PM — Matt Coffy Band: Bringing their signature blues-soaked rock back to the festival stage.
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2:15 PM — Matt O’Ree Band: Led by former Bon Jovi touring guitarist Matt O’Ree, the band blends ripping guitar work with the powerful, impressive vocal wail of co-lead Eryn.
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3:45 PM — Gary Hoey: The rock and blues guitar legend, known for playing alongside heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, takes the stage.
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5:30 PM — Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: Hailed by Rolling Stone as the “undisputed future of the blues,” the 26-year-old phenom channels the spirit of the Mississippi Delta with deeply expressive vocals and scorching guitar work.
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7:30 PM — 38 Special: Closing out Saturday with an arena-packed set of massive timeless hits, including “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up In You,” “If I’d Been The One,” “Back Where You Belong,” and “Second Chance.”
Sunday, June 28: High-Energy Fiddles & Georgia Legacies
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12:00 PM — Doors Open
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1:00 PM — Triple Rail Turn: A modern country outfit led by two powerhouse female fiddlers, featuring a high-energy set anchored by a smoking rendition of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”
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2:30 PM — Robert Jon & The Wreck: Injecting a smooth, distinct Southern California flair into classic Southern rock foundations.
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4:30 PM — Artimus Pyle Band: Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle honors the legacy of Ronnie Van Zant, utilizing the distinctive double bass drumming that defined the legendary Skynyrd sound.
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6:30 PM — Blackberry Smoke: The modern torchbearers of Georgia’s rich musical legacy close out the festival. Their rootsy, vintage country and classic Southern rock tracks serve up vivid, short-story-like narratives full of relatable characters.
VIP Experiences and Expanded Camping Perks
Produced by Promo1—a Fairfield, New Jersey-based event marketing firm with over 40 years of production experience—the festival continues to expand its overnight camping infrastructure.
Exclusive Camper Perks: Patrons purchasing RV and camping passes gain access to exclusive, campers-only night concerts featuring Dead Aire on Friday night and the Sharp Dressed Band on Saturday night. Camping passes also include 24-hour access to permanent restrooms and showers, alongside a Sunday Morning Breakfast Get Together.
Day, weekend, and VIP passes can be purchased directly by visiting the official website at www.rockribsandridges.com. Ticket and registration questions can be directed via email to the event coordination team at [email protected] or [email protected]. Festival fans can join the conversation online using the hashtag #rockribsandridges or following @rockribsandridges across social platforms. All prices are subject to change without notice.
