Headed to the the Jazz & Rib Fest in Columbus? Here's what to know

One of Columbus' tasty festivals returns this weekend, offering funky music and smoky meats.

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has hosted the Jazz & Rib Fest for more than 40 years, bringing some of the best jazz musicians and rib vendors to central Ohio for residents and visitors from all over the country.

How much does the Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest cost and where is it?

Admittance to the festival is free and it will be held at the Scioto Mile Riverfront, 233 S. Civic Center Drive, on Friday and Saturday, July 19-20, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

"Every year, the festival draws roughly 200,000 people Downtown to Columbus over a three-day weekend," said Dominique Shank, community relations chief for Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

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What's the food and music situation?

This year's festival will include 45 vendors, 17 of which are rib purveyors, but that's just the beginning, as local, national and global musicians alike will be performing.

"This year, we will feature 45 acts over the three-day weekend, including some of the top talent at the Bicentennial Park stage, which will be reopening," said Shank.

Last year the Bicentennial Park stage was closed due to ongoing fountain construction , but it's back up and running for this year's festival.

Shank said that having Bicentennial Park stage in use once again will help it get used to the full effect, including top headliners.

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"On Saturday, headlining will be Musiq Soulchild and Pedrito Martinez Group," said Shank. "And then on Sunday, we'll close it out with singer and songwriter, a Grammy Award winner, Regina Belle and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Where can I park Downtown Columbus?

Event parking is available throughout Downtown, including places like the Columbus Commons and COSI. A more specific map and overview of parking options are available at hotribscooljazz.org .

Those with a state-issued form of disability identification can utilize the festival's accessible parking in parking garages and area surface lots. On top of that, the festival is wheelchair accessible, with accommodations at every portable restroom location.

Nfishman@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Headed to the the Jazz & Rib Fest in Columbus? Here's what to know