Blues and barbecue await at Vernon Hills' Little Bear Ribfest

Posted August 14, 2023 11:00 pm

Daily Herald staff report

The Little Bear Ribfest returns to Vernon Hills from 6-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, and 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in Century Park. Daily Herald File Photo

It's time once more for tasty barbecue and blues music in Vernon Hills as the Little Bear Ribfest returns.

This year's 12th annual event will feature ribs and side dishes from several local restaurants and award-winning blues musicians.

The event will take place from 6-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, and 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills.

Bring your own lawn chairs to enjoy the live music and food.

The musical lineup features Funky Mojo Daddy at 7 p.m. and Kevin Purcell & the Nightburners at 9 p.m. Friday; and Brandon Santini at 5 p.m., Wayne Baker Brooks at 7 p.m. and Bernard Allison at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Six restaurants will be selling ribs and side dishes. There will also be roasted corn, ice cream and desserts for sale. Beverages will be available, including soda, wine, a beer tent and a bourbon bar.

Restaurants scheduled to be on-site include Smokin BBQ on 45, Brothers' BBQ, City Barbeque, BBQ'd Productions, Jameson's Charhouse and Boonie Mac Shack.

Admission is $5; free for ages 5 and younger. Proceeds support the park district's Family Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are available at the gate. Food and beverages are an additional fee; alcoholic beverage tickets will be available until 10:30 p.m.

For information, visit vhparkdistrict.org/little-bear-ribfest.

Six restaurants are scheduled to take part in the Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills, including Smokin BBQ on 45, Brothers' BBQ, City Barbeque, BBQ'd Productions, Jameson's Charhouse and Boonie Mac Shack. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com, 2014

Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners will perform at the Little Bear Ribfest at 9 p.m. Aug. 18. Other blues musicians schedule to perform include Funky Mojo Daddy, Brandon Santini, Wayne Baker Brooks and Bernard Allison. Daily Herald File Photo

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