B's on the River Rib Fest 2026

Cartoon pig in cowboy hat with ribs and guitar—Rib Fest Watertown MN, July 17-18, 2026.

Over 40 #1 Hits • July 17–18 • Watertown, MN Saturday Night Headliners | July 18, 2026

Three legendary country acts. One unforgettable night.

With more than 40 number one hits between them, Tracy Byrd, TG Sheppard, and Janie Fricke headline the 15th Annual B’s On The River Rib Fest. This is a must-see night for country music fans.

“This is truly going to be a special Rib Fest,” says owner Bryan Baumann.
“We’re excited for everyone to enjoy all the hits this year.”

  • Tickets purchased after July 1st available for pickup at Will Call
  • Remaining tickets must be purchased at the gate on Saturday
  • (952) 955-2223
Events Schedule

2026 Rib Fest Events Schedule

Rib Fest Day of Schedule Rib Fest Schedule

2pm Gates Open
2pm Food Truck Opens / Kids Events / Rib Tasting Kits on Sale
DJ Chopper – “World’s Nuttiest DJ” 2pm-4:30pm, Face Painting, Bounce House
2:30pm Cash Bingo (Under Tent; $1,000 Final Game) / Pull Tabs
2:50pm Pick-Up Rib Tasting Kits
3-4:30pm Rib Tasting Begins
4:30pm VIP Opens
4:30pm Rib & Chicken Buffet Line Opens $20 Adults $15 Kids 9 & Under
5-7pm VIP Buffet Line
4:30-6:30pm Red Dot Duo
7-7:45pm Janie Fricke
7:45-9pm T.G. Sheppard
9:30-11pm Tracy Byrd
11pm Fireworks

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A group enjoys cornhole outdoors on grass at Rib Fest Watertown MN near white tents.

No cover • All the fun Friday Night Pre-Rib Fest Party

Kick off Rib Fest weekend with the BOB 106 FM Pre-Rib Fest Party featuring live music by Raised on Radio.

Friday night also includes:

  • Pork chop dinner
  • Expanded food wagon menu
  • Annual bean bag tournament
  • Kids activities & prize giveaways
  • Last-minute Rib Fest ticket giveaways
  • Camp Along the Crow and make it a full weekend!
Camping Info
Several men grill and serve barbecued meat outdoors at Rib Fest Watertown MN cookout.

B's on the River Backyard BBQ Rib Contest

Show off your rib-cooking skills in one of Rib Fest’s most popular events.

Notice: Cookers may begin as soon as ribs are received. Ribs available starting 7 AM Saturday.

  • Limited cooking spots available
  • Cooks prepare 10 full racks (provided by B’s)
  • Judged by KCBS certified judges + guest tasters
  • Cooks provide their own seasonings & sauces
Contest Entry Form
Official Contest Rules
People playing bingo under a tent at Rib Fest Watertown MN on a sunny day.

More Rib Fest Fun Additional Attractions

Even more ways to celebrate, compete, and have a blast all weekend long at Rib Fest in Watertown!

  • Cash Bingo! Up to $1,000 Payout
  • Friday & Saturday Pull Tabs
  • Kids Zone Games, DJ and Fun 2 PM - 4 PM
  • Kids activities & prize giveaways
  • Friday Night Bean Bag Tournament
View Calendar

2026 Rib Fest Ticketing & Pricing

People enjoying a buffet line at Rib Fest Watertown MN, serving themselves various dishes.

Ultimate Rib Fest Package VIP Experience – $140

Includes:

  • Admission
  • Private viewing area near the stage
  • Exclusive VIP tent with seating
  • All-You-Can-Eat rib & chicken dinner
  • 2 free drinks • Private bar & bathrooms
Large crowd at Rib Fest Watertown MN, people by wooden tables enjoying drinks outdoors.

B's Rib Fest 2026 General Admission - $40

Includes:

  • Must be purchased in advance
  • After July 1: $50
  • All-You-Can-Eat Dinner Add On: $20
  • Camping (3 nights): $145
Two tents on grass at night under stars and hills, perfect after Rib Fest Watertown MN.

Camp along the Crow River Camping Information

  • Primitive camping (no hookups)
  • 1 camper/tent + 1 vehicle per site
  • Must reserve by July 10, 2026
  • No fires or pets
  • Camper check-in begins Thursday at 7 PM
View Camping Rules

Nearby Hotels & Amenities

Delano, MN GrandStay Hotel

(763) 972-4303

Waconia, MN AmeriVu Inn & Suites

(952) 442-8787

Christie Cab Cab Service

(763) 913-4889

B's on the River Rib Fest Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors

Republic Services • MBE • Fobbe Electric • Bursch Brothers Sand & Gravel • Anchor Plastics • Vanderlinde Group Edge Reality • Mikie's Landscaping • Stein Heating & Cooling • Hecksel Machine Shop • Class Act Outdoor Furnace • Kohl's Dairy • M & K Construction • K-Way Trucking • Rocket Crane • Davis Motorsports / Chevy • Delano Family Dental • Showcase Lawncare • Berg Exteriors • All Season Sports • Lansing Indoor/Outdoor Services • Kevin Butcher Edina Reality • Matter Excavating • Graham Moving • Elmer J. Peterson Company • Pioneer Equipment Rental • T&T Lakeshore Services • Performance Food Group