Rib Fest Returns to Heinz Field, North Shore Next Month

After a one-year hiatus, Rib Fest will return to Heinz Field in 2021.

The event, which traditionally serves as the kickoff to the fall football season, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic last year. This year, the event is back, running from Thursday, Sept. 2 to Monday, Sept. 6 in and around Heinz Field and Stage AE on the North Shore.

The rib cook-off, which has grown to become one of the largest rib festivals in the country, will have 15 vendors, with fans voting on their favorite over the course of the week. The week will also feature other vendors, carnival rides, free and ticketed events, including concerts and the Pitt Panthers’ season opener against UMass on Sept. 4.

Here’s the full schedule of events:

Thursday, Sept. 2, 4-9 p.m
Festival opens, 4 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 3, Noon-11 p.m.
Steelers Experience, 2-8 p.m.
Steely McBeam Appearance, 6-8 p.m.
Free concert, The Sun King Warriors, 7:30 p.m.
Free concert, The Clarks, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 4, Noon-11 p.m.
Pitt vs. UMass at Heinz Field, 4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 5, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Steelers 5k Race, Fitness Walk and Kids Kickoff Run, 8 a.m.
Steely McBeam Appearance, 8-10 a.m.
Steelers Experience, 2-8 p.m.
Happy Hour Street Party with DJ Steve Maffei Jr., 4-7 p.m.
Carly Pearce at Stage AE Outdoors, 7 p.m.
Lady A at Stage AE Outdoors, 9 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 6, Noon-7 p.m.
Street Party with TJ the DJ, Noon-3 p.m.
Pirates vs. Detroit Lions at PNC Park, 1:35 p.m.
Gatorade Junior Training Camp at Heinz Field, 2 p.m.
Steelers Experience, 2-8 p.m.
Steely McBeam Appearance, 2-4 p.m.
Free concert, The Jimmy Adler Band, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Free concert, Norman Nardini, 4-5 p.m.
Free concert, Billy Price, 5:30 p.m.
Festival closes, 7 p.m.