Kunes Auto & RV Group Presents Car Convos: Melody from Elkhorn Ribfest 2023 - Kunes RV Blog

Take a ride with Megan from Kunes Auto and RV group as she picks up Melody Judge, Assistant Marketing Director for the Walworth County Fairgrounds, to talk about Elkhorn Ribfest! They will discuss what to expect this year as they give you a tour of the fairgrounds where Ribfest will be taking place.

Dates: July 12-16, 2023

Location: Walworth County Fairgrounds: 411 East Court Street, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Admission/Parking: Free

Hours: Wednesday: 3pm-11pm, Thursday – Saturday: 11am-11pm, Sunday: 11am-9pm

Website: wisconsinribfest.com

For those of you who are curious about Elkhorn Ribfest and the Elkhorn Ribfest National Rib Competition taking place Wednesday, July 12th – Sunday, July 16th at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, check out this 10-minute video!

Elkhorn Ribfest is Wisconsin’s BBQ Capital of the World for FIVE DAYS!

The event features teams of professional barbecuers from around the country, who compete for the title of “Grand Champion.” In addition to the barbecue competition, Elkhorn Ribfest also features a competition for backyard grillers, live music, carnival rides, and a variety of food and drink vendors. The festival is a popular event for families and friends, and it attracts over 100,000 people each year.

You can expect 13 teams of “Pro BBQ Ribbers”, who travel around the country in competitions, to compete for “Grand Champion”. The Grand Champion from last year, MM&E BBQ out of Racine, WI, will be back to try to reclaim their title.

The Pro BBQ Ribber lineup for 2023 includes:

• Armadillo’s BBQ
• Aussom Aussie
• BBQ King
• Blazin Bronco
• Buck Em BBQ
• Cowboys BBQ & Rib Co.
• Desperado’s BBQ
• Howling Coyote BBQ
• Johnson’s BBQ
• Just North of Memphis BBQ
• MM&E BBQ
• Mr. Greens BBQ
• Salt Creek BBQ

NEW THIS YEAR is Flat Track Racing! This takes place Thursday, July 13th starting at 5:30pm! Flat track racing is always exciting to watch, and combining it with good food, good music, it’s guaranteed to be a good time! 

And, don’t forget about the Ribfest Bike Show! Ribfest BIke Show is a highly anticipated event during Elkhorn Ribfest, taking place on Thursday, July 13th.  This free-to-enter, open bike show is perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts who love to show off their rides. Participants can ride in and park in the festival grounds until full, with judging taking place between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The event offers cash prizes for winners, adding an exciting, competitive element to the festivities.

Wondering how this event gets even better than attending a great event with entertainment and eating? How about some shopping? You can stroll through the Artisan Village to shop home-made products!

Wondering about non-rib vendors? Elkhorn Ribfest has those too! Corn on the cob, corn dogs, kettle corn, hotdogs, cheese curds, ice cream, funnel cakes, “jacked up” mini-donuts and more! There is something for everybody!

Robust music line-up

There will be entertainment on two stages during all five-days to keep the Pro BBQ Ribbers, Community Division Cookers, and attendees entertained while walking the fairgrounds and taking in all the delicious smells and food.

Don’t forget about the local competitors! 

There is a Community Division featuring 25 local teamsBBQ’ing and being judged by official KCB (Kansas City Barbecue) Judges. 

• Barnes and Sons BBQ
• BBQ Bros
• Burton’s BBQ
• Du-Little BBQ
• Hillbilly Deluxe
• HL Smokers 
• Jampa BBQ
• KTB BBQ
• Last Place BBQ
• Lard Ash BBQ
• Lords of Smoke
• McKee’s Bar-B-Que
• Pauls Smokehouse & BBQ
• Pork Lives Matter
• Puck Stop BBQ
• Ricky’s Ribs
• Roll The Bones BBQ
• Small & Tall
• Smoke The Pig BBQ
• Smokin’ Blue BBQ
• Todd’s Backyard BBQ
• Wapatui Smokers

Pro-Tip! Wear stretchy pants! But, all jokes aside, go ahead and bring lawn chairs. There will be straw bales to hang out around. Stop out for good food, good friends, and good music!