Update, Noon June 16, 2022 / This post has been receiving lots of looks today as folks apparently are searching for news about 2022 Ribfest, June 17-20, at the DuPage Event Center and Fairgrounds in Wheaton, IL.
We’re trying to keep all Ribfest info in one post to help readers find the latest schedule of entertainment that’s set to perform.
Updated Post, Feb. 21, 2022 / It’s official! The Exchange Club of Naperville has announced the 2022 Ribfest will be held June 17 through June 20 at the DuPage Event Center and Fairgrounds in Wheaton, IL. The venue will allow patrons plenty of space to experience the carnival by Fantasy Amusements Co., award-winning ribs, as well as Wintrust Community Banks’ family fun area and exhibits with no entry fee.
The dedicated entertainment site will offer a lineup of premium artists each day and will require a ticket purchase. Ample parking is available at the county complex, with continuous shuttle service to the gates. Sponsors and VIP perks include close parking in the parking deck, private entrance, upgraded bathrooms and seating as well as the best view of the stage.
Ribfest is the major fundraiser hosted by the Exchange Club of Naperville to help fight child abuse and domestic violence, while strengthening families in our local communities. As a result of these fundraising efforts, in Ribfest’s 32 years, more than $18 million has been contributed back to our local communities in support of these causes.
Updated Post, Jan. 18, 2022 / Exchange Club of Naperville is waiting final approval from all stakeholders regarding hosting Ribfest 2022 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds (now known as the DuPage Events Center and Fairgrounds) in Wheaton.
Plans are developing to host the four-day music and barbecue festival over Father’s Day Weekend in June.
Ribfest 2022 is under the guidance of Chair Bev Schafman for the Exchange Club of Naperville.
Original Post, May 19, 2021 / The Exchange Club of Naperville, organizers of the 33rd annual Ribfest, have spent the past few months in constant careful situation analysis, in order to accurately and comprehensively assess all factors in regard to its plans for Ribfest, July 1-4, 2021.
In consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 conditions and recently mandated capacity restrictions, the Club has concluded that it cannot reasonably guarantee health, safety, and success for such a large-scale public event that occurs in the early portion of the summer festival schedule and is thus susceptible to the instability of COVID-related conditions like capacity restrictions. Therefore, the Exchange Club of Naperville, along with the Village of Romeoville, regretfully announces that Ribfest will be unable to occur over Independence Day weekend 2021.
This difficult decision comes after much deliberation about any possibility of presenting the family fun, philanthropy, dining and music throughout Independence Day Weekend that have become synonymous with “Ribfest” for thousands of attendees every year. The Exchange Club of Naperville has partnered with the Village of Romeoville in planning for Ribfest in Deer Crossing Park, and begin optimistic planning for 2022.
In a joint statement, Bob Black, the 2021 Ribfest Chairman, and Jerry Kochurka, Exchange Club of Naperville President, explained further: “As a not-for-profit organization, the Exchange Club of Naperville donates proceeds from our annual Ribfest event to multiple agencies in the fight against child abuse and domestic violence. We are, of course, greatly disappointed that circumstances have left us unable to responsibly and in good conscience hold Ribfest this year, or put our funding or any future Ribfest at risk.”
The Exchange Club of Naperville will announce developments as they arise.
In lieu of ticket-package purchases, supporters will be given the option of making a tax-deductible donation toward the Exchange Club of Naperville’s mission to prevent child abuse and domestic violence.
For more info, visit www.ribfest.net.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to all readers who have been visiting this page and searching for stories about the Exchange Club of Naperville Ribfest. Click here to link to dozens of stories about the family-friendly BBQ festival and concert venue, including fireworks, that are saved in PN’s archive when the event was held at Knoch Park in Naperville. 2022 Ribfest moves to Wheaton.
