The Kickoff and Rib Festival returns to Acrisure Stadium to fire up football season with ribs, music, and tailgate fun.
Twelve nationally recognized rib vendors will be featured along with free concerts.
The festival runs during Labor Day weekend and is presented by I.C. Light.
The PA Pork Council will sponsor rib judging and awards, with the first place grand champion receiving an authentic championship belt crafted by the designer of the WWE championship belts.
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren will be signing autographs Friday at the PA Pork Council booth.
The free performances during the festival include:
- Friday, Aug. 29: The Clarks at 9 p.m. with Poster Child as the opening act at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 30: Post Game Street Party with DJ Steve Maffei Jr. from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 31: Redferrin at 9 p.m. with Junior Guthrie and The Push as the opening act at 7:30 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 1: BBQ & Blues Monday with Guitar Zack at 1:30 p.m., The Jimmy Adler Band at 3 p.m., House of Soul at 4:30 p.m. and Billy Price at 6:30 p.m.
Previously, musical guests have included Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Brothers Osbourne and more. The Kickoff and Rib Festival began in 1990 in a parking lot at Three Rivers Stadium.
Other free activities to do during the festival include:
- Jim Beam Carnival
- Sheetz “Freak” Zone
- I.C. Light Booth prize wheel and other contests
- Dude Wipes free samples and claw game
- Pepsi booth Taste Test Challenge
- FedEx Great Hall will be open featuring Steelers memorabilia including Steelers Super Bowl Trophies
- Steelers Pro Shop
- Steelers Experience to test your skills (Friday, Sunday and Monday)
- Meet Steely McBeam (Sunday and Monday)
Guests can also visit the 2026 NFL Draft Mobile Exhibit located next to the Hall of Honor Museum tent. which celebrates western PA’s rich football history and ties to the NFL Draft, according to Acrisure Stadium.
Events that cost money include the Aug. 30 Pitt vs. Duquesne game at 12 p.m. Saturday, the Cornhole Classic tournament on Aug. 31, and the Steelers 5k Run & Walk and the Steelers Youth Football Clinics on the stadium field on Labor Day.
Attendees have to pay for the Hall of Honor Museum tours as well.
