Michigan-Based Rib Festival Returning for First Time in 2 Years
It finally seems like a somewhat normal summer is upon us, and that means plenty of major festivals and other events on the horizon. I love the summer months, largely…
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
It finally seems like a somewhat normal summer is upon us, and that means plenty of major festivals and other events on the horizon. I love the summer months, largely because there's so much to do and so many different festivals happening across Michigan.
One of Michigan's biggest rib festivals is making a big return in 2022. This year will actually mark the first time the festival has happened in two years, due to the pandemic, so some special activities are planned.
That event is the Kalamazoo Ribfest, which will return to Arcadia Creek Festival Place in August. Organizers announced the news via social media this week, stating the event is set for Aug. 5-6 in downtown Kalamazoo.
As for musical talent, the event will feature headlining performances from alternative rock acts Sister Hazel and Puddle of Mudd on Saturday, Aug. 6. The night before, the Pop 2000 Tour will swing by, hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC and featuring appearances from Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, David Cook, O-Town and LFO. Vendors already lined up include Johnson’s BBQ, Maui Wowi Smoothies, Mangia Catering, Desperado’s BBQ & Rib Co., Blazin’ Bronco BBQ, Howling Coyote BBQ, Bomba’s, Big Moe’s BBQ, Virgil BBQ, Cowboys BBQ and Ibison Concessions.
Ribfest will celebrate its 34th year in 2022. Each year, roughly 10,000 people attend, according to the festival's website. Advance single-day tickets are $12, while two-day passes run $20. VIP tickets are also available for $50. Funds raised from the Kalamazoo Ribfest will go to benefit the Arc Community Advocates, an organization that works with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to empower them to live a life that is fully included in the community and advocate on their behalf, according to the festival website. For more information, head to kalamazooribfest.com.
It's spring, and today it actually feels like it across much of Michigan. Of course, this is Michigan, which means at any given moment we could be graced with snow and ice, even mid-spring. But, right now, warm weather and ice cream are on the mind.
I simply love ice cream. It's probably my favorite food. The more chocolaty and decadent and cookie dough-laced, the better. Here in Michigan, we have an array of incredible ice cream shops, some that are open seasonally and others year-round. There's lots of ice cream to go around, whether you prefer soft-serve (not for me) or regular.
Pure Michigan has put together a list of the best ice cream shops in Michigan. If anybody knows their Mitten ice cream, it's Pure Michigan, since they handle all the touristy stuff around the state. Read on for the full list. The Pure Michigan crew was able to hit most areas of the state, including the U.P, so there are a broad range of ice cream shops on the list. I actually hope to hit all of them at some point, but that might be too unrealistic a goal!
I actually added my own picks to make this list 20, since some of the Pure Michigan picks have sadly closed. My main pick was the MSU Dairy Store on the campus of Michigan State University. If you're ever in East Lansing, it's really something you have to experience. They make all of their own ice cream, and since MSU is an agricultural college, you know it's some of the best-tasting stuff around. I also included Quality Dairy, which is known for its fantastic ice cream around mid-Michigan. If you have a favorite ice cream spot that was left out, reach out to me on social media and let me know.
20 Best Michigan Ice Cream Shops You Need to Visit
This list is via Pure Michigan, with five additional shops added item, including the MSU Dairy Store, from me.
