May: Berea's National Rib Cook-Off

Berea's National Rib Cook-Off gathers the country's best "ribbers"—a.k.a. the grillmasters who spend all year perfecting their approach to barbecue--at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. If that wasn't enticing enough, the fest also offer well-rounded, family-geared music and entertainment that won't bust your wallet.

Whether you like yours smoky, spicy or saucy, ribs are practically our national foodstuff. Maybe it’s because these finger-licking-kind-of-messy foods are downright delightful. Or, perhaps it’s because these meaty masterpieces offer up a great chance to eat, drink, party and repeat. Probably a combo of both.

Each Memorial Day weekend, Berea's National Rib Cook-Off gathers the country's best ribbers — the grillmasters who spend all year perfecting their approach to barbecue — at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. The whole shindig is tied together with music, shopping and, naturally, beer.

What You’ll See

• Over a dozen ribbers bringing their A-game serving up slabs of tender meat. The cook-off awards prizes for (among other things) “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce.”
• Do calories count when it’s a long weekend? That’s yet to determined. Regardless, if you’re feeling frisky, dance off that full rack at performances from local party bands and tribute acts covering genres from country to rock.

What Else To Do

• In addition to barbecue, patrons can chomp on summer carnival staples like deep-fried desserts, cotton candy, ice cream, classic fair fries and corndogs.
• Let your kids run off their excess energy in the kids’ zone.