About This Festival

The 2025 Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues is a two-day festival held August 15-16 at Madison’s Bicentennial Park and Riverfront in Jefferson County, Indiana. It showcases a blend of top-tier BBQ and live blues music from national and regional artists, coupled with a lively family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of food and entertainment activities.

Event Atmosphere and Surrounding Area

Madison is a scenic small town on the Ohio River known for its historic charm and picturesque riverfront. The Ribberfest takes full advantage of the beautiful Riverfront and Bicentennial Park, creating a vibrant summertime setting with an energetic, outdoorsy, and festive vibe. Visitors can expect a casual, fun, and community-focused event with plenty of space for socializing and enjoying music and food by the river.

Activities and Features at the Event

  • Music Lineup:

    • Two full days of live blues and roots-rock music featuring nationally and regionally recognized artists such as Shemekia Copeland, Robert Jon & The Wreck, GA-20, Bywater Call, Ben Chapman, Ricky Nye Inc, Jack Whittle, Jeff Shew & The Late-Night Crew, Jordan A. Wilson Coalition with Jimmy Davis, and BG Johnson Band.
    • Performances run from Friday evening through Saturday night, with gates opening at 11:00 AM on Saturday.
    • A pre-party is held on Thursday evening (August 14) at Red Bicycle Hall, downtown Madison.

  • BBQ Competitions:

    • KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) sanctioned cook-offs including an Indiana State Championship BBQ cook-off for professionals.
    • Amateur and Kids’ BBQ competitions.
    • Contests such as pig toss, rib-eating contest, and fun activities involving "concrete pigs corral."

  • Food Vendors:

    • A diverse selection of BBQ and other food trucks and vendors offering ribs, smoked meats, and complementary festival foods.

  • Additional Entertainment:

    • Activities centered around BBQ culture and family fun, encouraging participation from all age groups.
    • Beer garden near the music stage area with continuous entertainment between bands.

Rough Schedule Highlights

Thursday, August 14 (Pre-Party at Red Bicycle Hall)

  • 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Pre-party event with live music and social gatherings.

Friday, August 15 (Bicentennial Park)

  • Starts at 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Live music with performances by Jordan A. Wilson Coalition (6:00 PM), Bywater Call (8:00 PM), and GA-20 (10:00 PM).

Saturday, August 16 (Bicentennial Park)

  • Gates open at 11:00 AM.
  • Morning to late evening lineup includes Jeff Shew & The Late-Night Crew (11:30 AM), Jack Whittle (1:30 PM), Ricky Nye Inc Featuring Noah Wotherspoon (3:30 PM), Ben Chapman (5:30 PM), Robert Jon & The Wreck (7:30 PM), and Shemekia Copeland headlining at 9:30 PM.
  • BG Johnson Band performs sets between the main acts near the beer garden.

History and Founding

Madison Ribberfest started over two decades ago and celebrates its 23rd annual event in 2025. It has grown to become one of Indiana’s premier BBQ and blues festivals, consistently ranked as one of the best music festivals in the state. It combines the rich traditions of competitive BBQ cooking with a spotlight on blues music, fostering a community event that honors both culinary and musical arts in Southern Indiana.

Accessibility and Admission

  • The festival is ticketed with wristbands available at will call.
  • Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult.
  • The event is handicapped accessible.

In summary, Madison Ribberfest 2025 offers an engaging combination of competitive BBQ, live blues music, and family-oriented entertainment set against the backdrop of historic Madison’s riverfront park, with multiple stages, events, competitions, and vendors creating a lively, spirited festival atmosphere.