While negotiating the terms of the Pickerington Jazz and Blue Ribfest's alcohol permits in 2010, the city of Pickerington lost its festival. Organizers moved the event to neighboring Canal Winchester, located about six miles away, and renamed the event the "Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest." Canal Winchester is located about 15 miles southwest of Columbus. This town, which was historically a hub of transportation, agriculture and commerce, comes alive every year in early August, with the smell of ribs wafting through the air, the sound of live music and much more.
General Information
- The Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest is a two-day festival held every year in early August, typically on a Friday and Saturday. Festival organizers say 30,000 people attended in 2012. Admission is free and visitors can expect to experience a street fair-like atmosphere. The festival is held in downtown Canal Winchester, with parking available throughout the surrounding area. Leave your coolers, rollerblades, skateboards, bikes, pets and any outside beverages and food at home. Festival organizers recommend bringing portable chairs because there is limited seating available.
Music and Entertainment
- Much like its name implies, blues music is one of the festival's starring attractions, with everything from electric rock-blues to more traditional acoustic blues music played on two stages. Local, regional and nationally headlining blues performers such as Ray Fuller and Bluesrockers rock the venue, which is the state's only festival with a rib and blues theme. Other attractions include booths with arts and crafts created by area artists as well as a children’s activity area with face painting a bounce house.
Ribs and Food
- If you love ribs, this is the festival for you. Rib vendors travel from all around the region for the opportunity to compete for a trophy and, even more importantly, the right to brag about having the best ribs. They serve up their special recipes throughout the weekend. In addition to ribs, the festival also serves up other menu items, including ice cream and other desserts. Festival organizers also have a beer garden set up for festival-goers who are at least 21 years old.
Nearby Lodging
- Nearby lodging options include the Best Western Plus Canal Winchester Inn, located less than 2 miles from downtown and within walking distance of attractions such as the Barber Museum or the Doll and Toy Museum. It has a fitness room, indoor pool, business center and free parking. Another option is the Ohio Log House Bed and Breakfast, located on 54 acres about 5 miles from downtown Canal Winchester. It has rustic decor and a kitchen with a wood-burning oven. The inn's three rooms, each with its own bathroom.
