Believe it or not, the Hendricks County Rib-Fest and BBQ will celebrate 20 years on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What began as a unique event to get the community of Avon together has grown into an Indiana event bringing thousands to Hendricks County each year.
“For an event that started in a small park, hoping we’d get 500 people there to now welcoming 8,000 to 10,000 people every year has come a long way. We’ve changed locations multiple times to accommodate the crowds and it’s just been super fun, exciting and really rewarding,” said Tom Downard, executive director of the Avon Chamber of Commerce.
Over the years, activities offered have come and gone, and some have even returned. The layout of the event has changed to accommodate everyone, and more BBQ businesses want to join in on the fun.
This year, along with presenting sponsor Ray Skillman Hyundai, Rib-Fest 2025 will kick things off with the annual Rise & Swine Hendricks County Rib Run 5K run/walk and Riblet Run for children ages 1 to 12 at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively, at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex.
By 10 a.m., the event begins with BBQ vendors, other food vendors and entertainment.
“Each year, we have new vendors that want to come in and participate. We’ll have 12 to 14 BBQ vendors, but there will be other food as well,” Downard said. “For example, Square Burger in Danville will be out there with some of their products. They’re having a Rib-Fest burger during the month of June to help promote the event.”
In addition, the Avon Kiwanis, Cabin Coffee, Kona Ice, MashCraft Brewing, among others, will offer food and beverages.
From 2 to 3:30 p.m., celebrity judges will test the participating BBQ vendors in the Best Ribs and Best Sauce competition and give two lucky winners bragging rights until 2026.
Around 5:30 p.m., music fans can catch central Indiana bands Toy Factory, a cover band with current and past hits, followed by Crush: The Bon Jovi Concert Experience on stage in the horse arena.
The Plainfield Lions Club will once again host its craft fair from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hendricks Expo Hall and North Hall. The balloon glow will return at dusk, and the traditional fireworks show will conclude the evening.
New this year, an entire area on the fairgrounds will be dedicated to youth.
“We’ve partnered with the Children’s Entrepreneurial Market. As kids go through the process of learning about business and being an entrepreneur, they make their own product and sell it,” Downard said. “It might be necklaces, trinkets, food — whatever they make. It’s like a farmers market.”
The opportunity will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but alongside 25 to 30 entrepreneurial children’s booths, the popular touch-a-truck program will return.
“The trucks have always been popular with our kids. There will be fire trucks, ambulances, police equipment, bulldozers and all sorts of things the kids can check out,” Downard said. “There will also be a petting zoo in that area. We’ve just designated a space for the kids, and it’s free for everyone.”
The process of creating an event that offers so much entertainment and activity for the community can be a daunting task. Downard said the day after Rib-Fest, they quickly start planning the next one.
“We’ll have a follow-up meeting shortly thereafter. As you go throughout the day, we’re seeing things we want to change or we’d like to add next year. It always brings up new thoughts and ideas,” Downard said. “When we first moved to the fairgrounds in Danville, we set up the food vendors in a way we thought would be perfect, and five hours into the event, we could see that was not the right way to set it up. It’s things like that we correct for the next year.”
One of those positive additions is the Rib-Fest app for visitors to download and view a map of the layout of the property and all events, including a schedule so you don’t miss your favorite band or vendor show.
When asked if he thinks the community has deemed the Hendricks County Rib-Fest and BBQ an annual tradition, he said, “Without question.”
“People are talking about it earlier and earlier. When I talk to people about it, they almost always say they know about it and they go every year,” Downard said. “I rarely hear someone say they’ve never heard of it, and it continues to get more and more popular. For many, it’s a kickoff to the Fourth of July too.”
Many activities at the Rib-Fest are free. However, to purchase food, you’ll want to buy tickets in exchange for BBQ and other food and drinks. Vendors do not accept cash.
Tickets can be purchased at the Avon Chamber of Commerce at 8244 E. U.S. Highway 36, Suite 140, or at two ticket tents at the event.
Admission is free, but there is a $10 parking fee per vehicle. Credit and debit cards are welcomed and encouraged.
For more information, visit avonchamber.org/hendricks-country-rib-fest or download the app to keep track of all activities and entertainment throughout the day.
