May is always one of my favorite months because it's my Birthday Month. If you don't celebrate for a month, I highly recommend it. I'll make any excuse for getting together with friends and family. And cake. Lots of cake!
And because my personal celebration coincides with the much anticipated Memorial Day weekend, the official kick off to summer is always something special. This weekend is traditionally filled with cook outs, parties and parades as we remember and honor our veterans.
A long standing Cleveland tradition is the Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival. For over 20 years, thousands have feasted on ribs and rocked it out at this 4 day saucy weekend.
This year, the event is May 24th through the 27th. General admission is only $5.00 with an online coupon (available here) and includes free entertainment. You can also buy them at the door for $8. The music part of the festival takes you back in time as it kicks off on Friday with Mega 80's. Saturday features Rick Springfield, Sunday gets bluesy with Buddy Guy and the festival wraps up with Bret Michaels. If you want prime reserved seating for the concerts you can purchase tickets here.
I'm excited about the music, but it's the ribs that bring people back year after year. 10 of the best rib circuit grillers will be competing and you get to try them all. Monday at 4pm the winners will be announced.
There's also an amateur competion on Saturday. If you want to be an official judge, simply download the free Live Nation mobile app by texting “LNAPP” to 404040. Prior to the cook-off, one random person will be selected and contacted through the Live Nation app about this cool gastronomic prize.
And I have two general admission tickets to this finger licking good event to giveaway.
1. Mandatory Entry: In the comments below, tell me your favorite BBQ. Is it at a restaurant or one you make at home? Bonus entry if you include your recipe!
2. Like Eat*Drink*Cleveland on Facebook and leave a comment below.
3. Tweet the following and leave a comment below:
" I want to kick of summer with @EatDrinkClev at the Great American Rib Cook-Off! Enter for 2 free tix here http://ow.ly/kYc5b #HappyinCLE "
4. Share this post on Facebook and leave a comment.
Contest ends Thursday May 16th at midnight. Winner to be announced Friday May 17th. Winner has until Sunday May 19th to claim their prize or a new winner will be drawn.
If you want to feast for a steal, take advantage of the Fox8 Rock 'n Rib Deal. Click here to purchase 2 general admission tickets plus $40 in food and drinks for only $31. Deal good while supplies last or until noon on May 20th.
Parking for a fee is available or you can ride the RTA for free. Park at any RTA Rapid Station and then hop aboard the Red, Blue or Green lines for the ride downtown. Transfer to the Waterfront Line to the Settlers Landing Station. You can walk or take a complimentary shuttle to the Nautica Pavillion.
You have another chance to win over at WhyCLE? too. Good luck!!
*** Disclosure: I was asked to help promote the Cook-Off and received two general admission tickets to give away as well as two for my own use. As always, all thoughts are my own. ***