This weekend-long festival features the best in southern and classic rock bands on the main stage, while finger-licking barbecue from top pitmasters is served on the side. George Thorogood and the Destroyers close out the festival with a headlining performance on Sunday night. 

This year’s line-up of pitmasters includes newcomers Big Bubba Lou’s BBQ (London, ON); Texas Lightning BBQ (Amarillo, Texas); local favorite Smokin’ Mo’s Southern BBQ (Sandyston, N.J.) and Bruiser’s BBQ, (South Hadley, Mass.). Chicago BBQ (Burr Ridge, IL) returns to defend its prestigious title as winner of last year’s Optimum People's Choice Award.

Headlining the bands that appear Friday evening are Orleans, known for their ‘70s Top 10 hits “Dance with Me” and “Still the One,” and Atlanta Rhythm Section, the chart-topping southern rocks that, over a 50-year span, is known for “So Into You,” “Imaginary Lover”, “Spooky” and more. 

Continuous music Saturday features legendary Hall of Fame rockers Grand Funk Railroad. Others on the Saturday lineup, beginning at 1, include Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Artimus Pyle, long considered the “wild man” of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Black Stone Cherry, a Kentucky band that redefines southern rock for today’s audiences, the Matt Coffy Band, and Six Gun Sally, paying homage to the greatest southern and classic rock bands of the 70s.  

Sunday’s festivities conclude with George Thorogood and the Destroyers, with their guitar-slinging, amp-blasting, roof-shaking rock.  Also featured will be The Allman Betts Band, formed by three sons of the original Allman Brothers Band, playing covers of their fathers’ songs along with rocking originals.  The Weight Band, led by former The Band guitarist Jim Weider, and singer/songwriter Mattie Schell round out the full day of music.

Rock, Ribs, and Ridges, presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, is produced by Promo1 of Fairfield, NJ, with more than 40 years of event marketing production

Hours: Friday, June 27: 6 pm-10 pm; Saturday, June 28: Noon-9 pm; Sunday, June 29: Noon to 8 pm

Tickets: Visit #rockribsandridges, @rockribsandridges or www.rockribsandridges.com for all the festival info and to purchase tickets.