MERRIMACK – After a 2-year absence, the Great American Ribfest & Food Truck Festival will return July 15-17 to Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack.

Ribfest features great BBQ and other foods, great original live music, great beer and great family fun – all to support the Merrimack Rotary Club. More than 15,000 attendees are expected.

“We are so excited to see this great community event return and raise some much-needed funds for local charities,” said Robert Best, past president of Merrimack Rotary. “Proceeds from the weekend help us support college scholarships for local youths, Coats for Kids, Habitat for Humanity, three local food pantries, Pure Water for the World, and many other important causes. People can have a great time and support their local community too!”

Ribfest’s 30 food vendors will offer ribs and barbeque, of course, but also empanadas, tacos, Asian fusion, lobster rolls, grilled cheese, hot dogs and burgers, chicken, pretzels, fries and more. And don’t forget dessert with ice cream, donuts, cannoli, kettle corn, fried dough and even cotton candy.

A diverse selection of original bands from throughout the region will play all weekend.

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FRIDAY, July 15

4:30-6 p.m.:James McCarthy (pop)

6:30-8 p.m.: Chris Fitz Band with Special Guest Hammond B3 Master Ken Clark (blues)

SATURDAY, July 16

10:30-11:30 a.m.: Gadabout (indie rock)

Noon-1:30 p.m.: Best Not Broken (pop/rock)

2-3:30 p.m.: Ben Cote Band (hard rock)

4-5:30 p.m.: Nick Drouin (country/rock)

6-7:30 p.m.: The Gravel Project (blues)

SUNDAY, July 17

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Supernothing (reggae/rock)

1-2:30 p.m.: Lexi James (country)

3-4:30 p.m.: Feverslip (hard rock)

5-6:30 p.m.: Southern Yankee (country)

Family activities include the Daniel Webster BSA Council’s Mobile Base Camp, including an inflatable archery range, Spike Ball, Gaga Ball pit, Soccer Darts and backyard bass fishing activity. In addition, The Rugged Axe will offer axe throwing, face painting will be available from Trading Faces and Bedford Martial Arts will be giving free demonstrations.

Ribfest hours run 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. This is a rain or shine event. Tickets, including a limited number of VIP tickets, are available online or at the gate, but prices do increase on-site.

Guests can bring: Folding lawn/camp chairs, blankets to place on the ground, and one bottle of water in a sealed container, but need to leave everything else at home, including pets (excluding service animals), outside food and beverages and weapons.

No shuttles will be available, so guests need to pay for parking at the Brewery ($20, on-site) or Elbit Systems ($10, across the street), or use a rideshare service for drop-off and pick-up. Street parking along Daniel Webster Highway is NOT allowed, and vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense.

“It takes a lot of effort to put on an event of this scale,” Best said, “so we greatly appreciate our partners at Anheuser-Busch and the Biergarten for hosting us. We also thank our sponsors and supporters in the local community including USA Insulation, US Cellular, InnSeason Resorts, T-Mobile, 92.5 The River radio, and Flush Services.”

To buy tickets (including VIP) and parking passes, or to get more information, visit GreatAmericanRibfest.com.