Michigan Rib Fest moves to Lake Orion this Fourth of July weekend, offering family fun and a variety of cuisine during the festival from July 4-7 at Canterbury Village.

Rib Fest features live musical performances, dozens of food vendors, pig races, Monster Truck rides, lawn games and a Kids Zone. Festivities are noon – 11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon – 9 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $3 every day, and kids under 12 years of age and veterans get in free all weekend.

“Last year Rib Fest made its home in Royal Oak with outstanding results; over 25,000 guests joined us for a holiday weekend of BBQ, live music and family fun. This year we’ve been warmly invited to host Michigan Rib Fest in Lake Orion,” said Matt Flynn, Co-Producer of Michigan Rib Fest. “There is so much excitement surrounding this new and unique location, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of that.”

Rib Fest showcases a selection of cuisine, food trucks and barbecue, along with a selection of adult beverages, including craft beer, hard cider, cocktails and soda.

More than a dozen food vendors will be present throughout the weekend, offering up fare from local and national Pit masters from Ohio, Florida, South Carolina, Atlanta and Texas, as well as selections from Carolina Rib King, Red Wood BBQ, Smoke Ring BBQ and Cowboy’s BBQ from Texas.

The weekend music lineup includes local favorites The Reefermen, Tosha Owens and Robert Bradley

The Kids Zone includes bounce houses, face painting and games. Guests will also get to experience monster truck rides and daily car crushing demonstrations and hot dog pig racing.

Michigan Rib Fest also hosts The Purple Bag Project – packing and sending care packages to soldiers. For close to a decade, Crown Royal has worked with Packages from Home as a national charity partner supporting their purpose of sending thanks to troops overseas.

For a complete list of participating vendors, artisans and the entertainment lineup visit michiganribfest.com. – J.N.