Fri 5/27-Mon 5/30
The Berea National Rib Cook Off, at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds through Monday, is the last man standing after years of running alongside the Great American Cook-Off downtown. Now that the plug’s been pulled on that event, Berea is the place to go to get your fingers greasy and listen to cover bands over the holiday weekend.
The 18-year-old event runs for four days, giving visitors ample time to find the day that works best for them to indulge in ribs from the 16 teams from all over the country who are competing to win a prize on Monday, as well as other fair food of all kinds — kettle corn, cotton candy, fried veggies, funnel cakes, hot dogs and more.
Besides eating and listening to music (country on Saturday, rock on Sunday), there’s a kids’ activities area with a rock climbing wall, bouncer, giant slide and more. The Berea Rib Cook-Off runs from noon-11pm Fri 5/27; 11am-11pm Sat 5/28 and Sun 5/29; and 11am-7pm Mon 5/30. Admission is $5 except on Friday before 5p when it’s free. And kids under 12 are free too, as is parking. That’s more money to indulge in food you know you should eat only on holidays!
164 Eastland Road, Berea, OH 44017