It’s the 20th anniversary of the highly anticipated Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ, and many from the county and beyond look forward to the annual tradition.
What’s not to like? Live music, family-friendly events, hot air balloons, a craft fair and of course, a BBQ competition in one fun-filled day the entire family can enjoy.
Here's our Insider preview to give you all the tips for exploring this popular festival from sunrise to sunset on June 28.
Get your morning started right by participating in the Rise n’ Swine 5K Rib Run/Walk and Riblet Kids Run. The Rib Run gets started at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., the youngsters (ages 1-12) can get in on the action and show off their speed in the ¼-mile Riblet Run.
Registered participants will receive plenty of swag, including early play time on the bounce houses, a completion medal and $5 worth of Rib-Fest food and drink tickets.
There will be plenty of finger-licking-good options from a variety of BBQ chefs. Feast on creations from local and well-loved vendors such as Barbeque & Bourbon, Square Burger, The House of Brisket and more, and watch as celebrity judges name the Best Ribs and Best Sauce for 2025.
If BBQ isn’t your thing, Avon Kiwanis, Cabin Coffee, Hometown Mini Donuts and a variety of craft beer and wine vendors will also be on hand.
The fourth annual craft fair, sponsored by the Plainfield Lions Club, will take place inside the Expo Hall at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Shoppers can browse through more than 65 vendor booths featuring jewelry, home decor, knitted items, woodworking, apparel, seasonal items, quilts, soaps, candles, yard art and more.
For the first time, young entrepreneurs will have the chance to participate in the Children’s Entrepreneurial Market. The children have gone through the process of learning about business, making their product, and now, they get to sell it!
The fun doesn't stop there. In addition to the Riblet Run and Entrepreneurial Market, a petting zoo and touch-a-truck opportunities will also be available in the kids' area.
By 5:30 p.m., live music will take the stage, featuring Toy Factory, followed by Crush: The Bon Jovi Concert Experience. You’ll also want to stick around to see the finale with colorful hot air balloons and dazzling fireworks lighting up the Hendricks County sky.
Don't forget your picnic blankets and lawn chairs, and find the perfect spot on the lawn to wrap up the 20th annual Rib-Fest.
