The organizers behind Tinley Park's popular RibFest have reimagined the event, introducing a new summer celebration designed to become a local tradition. The Tinley Park Country Fest will make its debut from July 3 to 5 at the 80th Avenue Metra Station lot, promising a weekend packed with barbecue, live music, family activities, and fireworks.
The new festival builds on the success of its predecessor, bringing back popular elements while refining the experience for attendees. Family Festivals Inc., the event organizer, aims to capture the spirit of the previous gatherings while carving out a new identity centered on country music and culture.
A new tradition is born
The former Tinley Park RibFest, which ran in 2023 and 2024, was a significant draw, attracting approximately 40,000 people over its four-day run, according to the festival's website. That strong turnout signaled a clear community appetite for a large-scale summer festival featuring quality food and entertainment. Organizers saw an opportunity to evolve the concept and create something new. The launch of Country Fest in 2026 is timed to coincide with a major national milestone: the 250th anniversary of the United States. Organizers noted that this timing presents a "unique opportunity to introduce Country Fest in a bigger way while laying the groundwork for an event that will continue year after year." By aligning the inaugural festival with the America250 celebrations and Canada Day festivities, the event hopes to embed itself as a cornerstone of Tinley Park's Independence Day festivities for the foreseeable future.
The new event is one of two major fireworks displays planned in the village for the holiday weekend, offering residents multiple opportunities to celebrate. More information on the village's other celebration can be found here: Tinley Park plans two fireworks shows for Independence Day.
Addressing past challenges
Learning from the experiences of RibFest, organizers have implemented several key changes to improve the festival experience. McAuliffe acknowledged that the previous event had some logistical hurdles, and the new plan aims to smooth out those "pain points."
"We tried to fix some of the problems we experienced at Rib Fest. parking, and long lines," McAuliffe said.
In addition to improved transportation, the festival layout and entry points have been redesigned to manage crowds more efficiently and reduce wait times. General admission is $15, with tickets available for purchase online. In a nod to local support, Tinley Park residents can enjoy half-price admission on Friday and Sunday and receive free entry on Saturday.
Music and entertainment
True to its name, the Country Fest will feature a slate of live music with a mix of Nashville talent and local bands. The main stage will host performances throughout the three-day event.
On Friday, July 3, the festival opens with student bands from House of Music, followed by local act Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda. The evening headliner is Ashley Walls. Saturday's lineup features The Walk-Ins and Whiskey Friends, leading up to a headline performance from Nashville country singer and songwriter Eric Chesser. The festival closes on Sunday with another performance by House of Music students, Billy Gray Music with line dancing instruction, and a grand finale from the Knievel Daredevil Band, which features the daughter and granddaughter of legendary stunt performers Evel and Robbie Knievel.
Beyond music, the festival will include a full carnival, artisan vendors such as Everlinked Jewelry and Mike Klein Caricatures, and a spectacular fireworks show scheduled for dusk on Friday, July 3.
National pitmasters and local flavor
Barbecue remains a central pillar of the festival. A team of acclaimed pitmasters from across the country will be serving ribs and other smoked delicacies. The lineup includes Carolina Catering, Chicago BBQ, Texas Lightning, Aussum Aussie, Big Show BBQ, and Branding Iron.
Local flavor will also be well-represented. Attendees can enjoy offerings from Tinley Park and Chicagoland favorites including Durbins, Teehan's, Rainbow Cone, Kona Ice, and Hailstorm Brewing. The Tinley Park Bulldogs youth sports organization will also be on hand, manning a booth selling corn on the cob. Other food vendors include Local One and The Lucky Dog.
The festival hours are 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. For those hoping to attend, McAuliffe suggested listening daily to 99.5 FM for a chance to win tickets leading up to the event. The festival is sponsored by several major brands, including MillerCoors, Gas N Wash, Pete’s Fresh Market, Jack Daniel’s, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
