Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest

Yum-O! I have been to Jazz & Rib Fest twice, and the food does not fail to please. I read that more than 500,000 people typically attend the festival over the course of a weekend, making Columbus's festival the largest of its kind in the country!

There are over 30 BBQ stalls throughout the festival, which is held at the Scioto Riverfront downtown (Front Street, across from the COSI building). Racks of ribs, pulled pork, bbq chicken, corn bread, it's all there. (No sweet tea, though. :-/ ) Several booths also sell beer, lemonade, soda and water. Other food items include french fries, roasted peanuts and pecans, elephant ears or fried dough, and ice cream.

One of the highlights of the festival is the collection of craft booths on the south bridge. There are the usual t-shirts sales and caricaturists, but also uniquely crafted jewelry at very reasonable prices, plus interesting belts, purses, etc.

And the jazz! There are a couple of different sound stage areas dispersed throughout the area, including the main stage at the decently-sized amphitheater by the river. People bring folding chairs, or just find a place on the grass, and sit for the day relaxing and listening to the different acts. The setting is quite pretty, also.

A word of warning: the festival is usually crowded, and it can be hard to move around in the area of the food booths. Generally, though, it's manageable. The prices for concessions are about what you'd expect at any fair or festival, and the food is definitely delicious. The festival runs from Friday morning to Sunday evening, around the middle or end of July. If you live in Columbus, or happen to be visiting around that time, check it out!