When you think of the small town of Caseville, located on the western shores of Saginaw Bay in the Upper Thumb Area of Michigan, you might be hard-pressed to believe it hosts an event as sizzling and sweet as Caseville Ribstock 2024. Yet, it’s true. This three-day festival, saturated in the smoky aroma of barbecued ribs and the lively strains of country music, captures a sense of community and summer celebration that kicks off the summer festival season.

Ribstock – Courtesy Caseville Chamber of Commerce

Friday, June 28: A Sizzling Start to Ribstock

The 16th Ribstock kicks off early at 9 am with the 12th Annual Amateur Rib Cook-Off at Caseville County Park. The air is thick with anticipation – and the delicious aroma of ribs. Online registration means throwing your spatula in the ring and competing for the juicy cash prizes that await the top three places.

Ribs - Caseville Ribstock — Ribs on the Grill – Yum!

At noon, the RibStock kick-off officially begins. Head to your favorite local establishment and grab a bite of the smoky, succulent ribs that are the festival’s signature dish. By 5 pm, if you’re still hankering for more, there are RIBS UNDER the TENT at the park.

At the amphitheater, it’s not all about gastronomic delights. The Caseville Class of 2027 serves up concessions from 6 pm, but the real draw is the evening’s entertainment.

The Country Music Festival begins at 7:00 PM, featuring Movin’ On, followed by line dancing lessons with Judy Fleming at 8:15 PM. The music continues with Shiatown performing at 8:30 PM, and the day concludes with announcing the RibStock Amateur Winner at 8:45 PM.

Afterward, you can take a leisurely moonlit stroll down Main Street, where the shops stay open until 8 pm.

Saturday, June 29: A Day of Waves, Cornhole, and Country Music

Saturday, June 29, starts with a serene session of Yoga on the Beach with Mary Donnellon at 8:30 AM. At 10:00 AM, at Caseville Beach, attendees can join the Stand-up Paddleboard and Kayak Lesson and Session sponsored by Thumbs Up Kiteboarding. The Market on Main runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Caseville Memorial Park, offering a variety of goods and local crafts.

The 5th Annual Blue Collar Cornhole Tournament kicks off at noon in Caseville County Park, with divisions for competitive and social players. Simultaneously, the 16th Annual Rib Cook-Off will feature thousands of ribs under one tent, with judging ending at 6:00 PM. The tournament’s first matches begin at 1:00 PM, and an Electric Foilboard or Kiteboarding Demonstration will take place at the Caseville Break Wall at 4:00 PM.

Evening activities include concessions by the Caseville Class of 2027 at 6:00 PM, followed by the Country Music Festival with Waylon Hanel Due at 7:00 PM. Judy Fleming returns for more line dancing lessons at 8:15 PM, and the night wraps up with a performance by Family Tradition at 8:30 PM. The best ribs winners, judged and chosen by the public, will be announced at 8:45 PM. Moonlight shopping continues until 8:00 PM on Main Street.

Sunday, June 30: The Final Helping

Sunday, June 30, features the 16th Annual RibStock Golf Outing at the Caseville Golf Course starting at 9:00 AM. Another Stand Up Paddleboard and Kayak Lesson and Session, sponsored by Thumbs Up Kiteboarding, will occur at 10:00 AM.

If your stomach’s rumbling, go to the park for Rib Dinners – the last chance for ribs under the tent. And as you savor the flavors, know that your meal also contributes to a good cause: a Caseville Fireworks fundraiser.

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit Caseville Chamber of Commerce. Support the local fireworks display by purchasing a Lucky 300 Ticket for $20.00 at the Chamber Office or from local merchants.

Don’t miss out on this weekend of delicious food, great music, and community fun at Caseville’s 16th Annual Ribstock!

Video: Live at Caseville Ribstock – Shiatown Music

Live at Caseville Ribstock

Watch this video on YouTube

Grab Your Ribstock Swag

To remember the unforgettable experiences Ribstock offers, grab your 2024 Caseville Country Ribstock Passes for $15.00 each and the t-shirts, a steal at $20.00. They’re available at Caseville Hardware, the Caseville Chamber Office, and the Rib Tent.

Ribstock – The Unofficial Start of Summer in Caseville

Officially, summer starts with the summer solstice on June 21st. Caseville Ribstock allows the folks and visitors in Caseville to welcome the start of the summer with a huge rib cook-off starting in late June. It’s a huge BBQ and country music festival that draws smoked rib and brisket fans from all over the state. Live entertainment begins at 7 pm Friday night, and Saturday with blues and country acts from all over Michigan. The RibStock Cook-Off winner will be announced between acts. The wonderful smell of BBQ cooking over hardwood hangs over town during the event. Back in 2018, over 20,000 ribs were sold.

Collectible Buttons and Passports

Festival buttons are available to allow entrance to all six country performers as well as other events throughout the weekend. The best practice is to bring your own blanket and chairs and set up a spat for evening viewing. All seating is general admission with the button. Music is in the Caseville County Park Amphitheater.