Get ready for the hottest event of the summer! The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is bringing back the beloved Jazz & Rib Fest, and it’s bigger and better than ever.
Set to take place from July 18-20, this year marks the 44th edition of the festival, which has become a summer staple for Columbus locals and visitors alike. And while you can always count on incredible music and mouth-watering ribs, 2025 is packed with exciting new features.
A Star-Studded Music Lineup
Each year, Jazz & Rib Fest draws thousands of music lovers and food enthusiasts to downtown Columbus, and 2025 will be no exception. With 30 bands performing across four stages, the festival promises a weekend filled with smooth jazz, funky rhythms, and unforgettable performances. The headliners for each day are nothing short of spectacular:
- Friday, July 18
West Bank Park Stage: Kenny Lattimore at 8 p.m.
Bicentennial Park: Lizz Wright at 7:30 p.m. - Saturday, July 19
West Bank Park Stage: Boney James – Slow Burn Tour at 8 p.m.
Bicentennial Park: The Baylor Project at 7:30 p.m. - Sunday, July 20
West Bank Park Stage: Mavis Staples at 6 p.m.
Bicentennial Park: Cimafunk at 5:30 p.m.
Whether you’re a fan of smooth jazz, soulful gospel, or Latin-inspired funk, this year’s lineup will have something for everyone. For a full list of performances, head over to the HotRibsCoolJazz website.
Shaded Dining and Live Performances
This year, the festival introduces a brand new feature that promises to make the experience even more enjoyable—shaded dining areas on each bridge, complete with live street performers to add some extra rhythm to your meal. You can relax under a canopy, enjoy the cool vibes, and grab a bite while soaking in the festival atmosphere.
The shaded dining areas include the ABC 6 Fan Zone, Champion Dining Tent on the Rich Street Bridge, Main Street Bridge Dining Tent, and Bicentennial Park Fountain Seating. No matter where you are, there will be music nearby to keep you grooving.
Ribs, Food, and Drinks Galore
Of course, the true star of Jazz & Rib Fest is the food. You can expect to find 20 top-tier BBQ vendors, each serving up their best ribs and smoked meats. Some of the featured vendors include After Hours Barbeque, Armadillo’s BBQ, Big Show BBQ, Mojo’s Famous BBQ, and Texas Outlaw BBQ. Not a BBQ fan? No worries! There are plenty of other delicious options, including vegetarian and vegan choices from food vendors like Fork in Nigeria, Shrimp Lips Seafood, and Snow Sisters.
When it comes to drinks, the festival has you covered with a variety of options, including Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon Belgian White, and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. For something a little stronger, try a Sun Cruiser Vodka Iced Tea or Vizzy Strawberry Kiwi Hard Seltzer. And of course, Pepsi products will be available to keep you refreshed.
Festival Hours
Jazz & Rib Fest will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 18-19 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 20, giving you plenty of time to explore, eat, and enjoy the music.
If you’re looking for a weekend of great food, even better music, and a fun time with friends or family, Jazz & Rib Fest is the place to be. It’s free to attend, so you can dive right in without any barriers. Be sure to check out HotRibsCoolJazz for the full lineup and get ready to make some memories at one of the best summer festivals Columbus has to offer.
For more info, including a full list of food and beverage vendors, visit HotRibsCoolJazz.org and ColumbusRecParks.com.
