Finger lickin’ fun: Little Bear Ribfest is back in Vernon Hills with music, BBQ, fun

Posted August 13, 2026 5:46 am

By Luke Zurawski

Lee Ward, owner of Smokin BBQ on 45 in Mundelein, prepares ribs during the 2024 Little Bear Ribfest. (Joe Lewnard/Daily Herald)

Music, barbecue and fun return to Vernon Hills when the 15th annual Little Bear Ribfest gets cooking from 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, in the Century Park Arboretum, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills.

Local food vendors specializing in barbecue ribs will offer their slabs and side dishes for purchase. Vendors scheduled to take part include Lakefront Smokehouse, Brothers' BBQ, Smokin BBQ on 45 and Boonie Mac Shack. There will also be a Bourbon Bar hosted by Aged in Oak Auctions & Tasting Parlor and a beer tent serving a variety of brews.

The 15th annual Little Bear Ribfest will take place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, in Vernon Hills’ Century Park. (Paul Valade/Daily Herald)

The Little Bear Ribfest is known for its musical entertainment as much as its tasty ribs. Friday will be Country Music Night, with performances from Kickin' It with Carol Line Dancing from 5-6:50 p.m., Mac O'Brien from 7-8:30 p.m. and Vegas McGraw from 9-10:30 p.m. Saturday night will feature performances by A Patch of Blues from 5-6:30 p.m., Stefan Hillesheim from 7-8:30 p.m., and The Grady Experience from 9-10:30 p.m.

Local rib vendors offer ribs and side dishes at last year’s Little Bear Ribfest in Century Park in Vernon Hills. (John Starks/Daily Herald)

Admission is $6 per person for ages 6 and older; ages 5 and younger are free. There will be additional fees for food and drinks; a wristband will be required to purchase alcoholic beverage tickets, which will be available until 10:30 p.m. both nights.

Guests enjoy the food on offer at last year’s Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills. (John Starks/Daily Herald)

Picnic tables will be available, and attendees are also welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Free parking will be available at Hawthorn Mall, with limited parking at the south corner of Lakeview Parkway and Hawthorn Parkway. Visitors are asked not to park in other business parking lots; police will tow illegally parked vehicles. Ribfest will take place rain or shine, but may close temporarily in the case of lightning.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted, though food and beverages for young children will be allowed. Pets are not permitted except for approved service animals.

The Little Bear Ribfest is hosted by the Vernon Hills Park District. Proceeds support the park district’s Family Scholarship Fund. For information, visit vhparkdistrict.org/little-bear-ribfest.