Tips and FAQs
Naperville Ribfest Tips & FAQ
No Pets are allowed at Ribfest.
No outside coolers may be brought into Ribfest. No outside food, other than baby formula can be brought inside the park.
Q. What happens when the park closes due to crowd capacity?
The decision to close the gates of Ribfest due to crowd density is the decision of the City of Naperville Police Department in concert with Ribfest leadership. Their decision to close for public safety is based on the ability of people to get out of the park in case of emergency. Crowd density is determined by examination of the flow of people primarily by the stage. If the walkways remain open and clear and people can move around, the city will keep our gates open. Once the gates are closed, no one is allowed in once they leave Ribfest.
Q. Does the park close if it rains?
No, Ribfest will remain open if it rains but close temporarily during periods of lightning. Ribfest works with the Local emergency Management Weather team to monitor the weather approaching Ribfest. Ribfest will temporarily close during any period where lightning is present. All guests will be asked to leave the park at that time. When the lightning is safely past the park, Ribfest will reopen.
Guests can also listen to FM 95.9 The River for updates on weather and gate reopening.
You can also listen to WLIT FM 93.9, KISSFM 103.5, WGCI FM 107.5, WNUA FM 95.5, V-103 FM or Inspiration 1390 AM for information about Ribfest reopening of its gates. Make sure you have your hand stamped before you leave Ribfest so that you can reenter once Ribfest opens again.
Q. I can’t find a parking place. What should I do?
Parking is an issue at Ribfest. Ribfest encourages our guests to park in one of our remote parking lots and take one of the free shuttle Ribfest provides.
Q. Where is the best place at Ribfest to watch the fireworks?
There are very few bad locations at Ribfest to watch the fireworks but spaces are quickly taken so we suggest coming to Ribfest early to get a good spot.
Q. What do you suggest a family bring for a day at Ribfest?
Summertime in Naperville can be quite sunny and warm. Ribfest suggests that you bring sun tan lotion and sungalsses. The dining tents provide shady tents to eat and rest. Wear good shoes because Ribfest is around 20 acres in size and almost all of it is on grass. All of the rides and events in the Ribfest Family Area are free with your gate admission, but you might want to bring some extra money for food and beverages and the Carnival Area rides. Most of all, bring patience and have fun.
Q. Where can I turn in my Pepsi can for a $1 off gate admission?
Ribfest is delighted to have Pepsi as a corporate partner. 2011cans containing the Ribfest promotion can only be redeemed at the Ribfest gates and are NOT applicable with pre-sale tickets sold at Jewel Stores or through the Naperville Park District. Ribfest will recycle the cans and give the proceeds to one of our charitable organizations.
Q. Who puts on Ribfest and Why?
Ribfest is put on by the Exchange Club of Naperville to raise funds to help fight child abuse, domestic violence and to strengthen families in our local communities.