Rock N' Rib Festival Included In BOK Center Celebration

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa is celebrating the one year anniversary of the BOK Center with a month full of events. They begin with the Paul McCartney concert in August and wrap up with a mouth watering event sure to get the attention of barbecue and music lovers.

It's the first Rock N' Rib Festival.

Organizers say to bring your appetite and some wet towelettes for four days of fun.

Since opening nearly a year ago, Tulsa's BOK Center has brought in a ton of top notch acts, from the Eagles to Carrie Underwood to the Boss.

But in September, it will be BBQ taking the center stage, or at least the pavilion outside the center.

"Focused on ribs and music, that's it," said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.

City leaders announced the first Rock N' Rib Festival, sponsored by Tulsa based Rib Crib, set for September 17th - 20th.

"Tulsa has a lot of BBQ festivals and cook-offs, but nothing truly for ribs. So we thought it would be a great new idea for downtown Tulsa," said Jeff Nickler, BOK Center Special Events Manager.

The festival will feature 13 live music acts from the region, including some well known Oklahoma bands like Midlife Crisis and the Red Dirt Rangers.

Along with the music, seven award winning BBQ teams from all over the world will showcase their ribs.

"The best rib masters from around the world right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then great music, all outside and enjoying that beautiful September weather in Tulsa," said Mayor Taylor.

Organizers say the four day event will bring tens of thousands of visitors to Tulsa.

"Maybe everybody can't necessarily afford to pay $80 or $90 for a concert ticket, but they can afford to bring the whole family down for our rib festival," said Jeff Nickler.

So if you like music and love ribs, the BOK Center will be the place to be come September.

You can get more information about the Rock N' Rib Festival on the BOK Center website.