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FAQs & POLICIES

Due to construction on the Vetter Stone Amphitheater, the 2026 Hickory Street RibFest will be held at the Civic Center Plaza in Downtown Mankato.

RibFest hours are 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8.

TIME
COMMUNITY BANK STAGE
RADIO MANKATO STAGE
12:00 PM
Joe Tougas & Associates
2:30 PM
Jack Backbone & The Vertebrae
5:00 PM
The Mollie Fischer Band
6:00 PM
Barefoot Winos
7:30 PM
The Mollie Fischer Band
8:15 PM
Gear Daddies
TIME
BAND
STAGE
12:00 PM
Joe Tougas & Associates
2:30 PM
Jack Backbone & The Vertebrae
5:00 PM
The Mollie Fischer Band
6:00 PM
Barefoot Winos
7:30 PM
The Mollie Fischer Band
8:15 PM
Gear Daddies

There is no cost for general admission to the 2026 Hickory Street RibFest. Entry to the Radio Mankato Stage is $5 and can be purchased the day of.
Click here for more information about admission

From the North (Twin Cities metro, St. Peter, Le Sueur, Belle Plaine)

  • Take US 169 S to US-14 E, exit at Riverfront Dr, and head south.

From the South/Southwest (Lake Crystal, Blue Earth, Amboy, Madelia)

  • Take US-169 N, exit at Riverfront Dr, and head south.

From the East (Rochester, Owatonna, Waseca)

  • Take US-14 W, exit at Riverfront Dr, and head south.

From the West (New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Nicollet)

  • Take US-14 E past US-169, exit at Riverfront Dr, and head south.

Click here for more information about parking & directions here.

Parking is available in downtown parking ramps on Hickory Street and Walnut Street. Handicapped parking is available in designated areas.

Click here for more information about parking & directions here.

Wristbands
Bar
Vendors

Cash, Debit/Credit Cards and Mobile Payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

Cash, Debit/Credit Cards and Mobile Payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

Accepted payment method varies by vendor.

Hickory Street RibFest has a rain-or-shine policy. What this means is that if we encounter some wet weather, the show goes on. In cases of extreme weather, events are susceptible to being postponed until the weather passes or, in extreme cases, canceled.

Yes, but only for the Radio Mankato Stage area. Bag restrictions will not apply to other areas.

Radio Mankato Stage Bag Policy:

Medical and diaper bags are permitted and subject to search by security staff. Fans are encouraged to leave non-essential items at home.

Guests may carry into the Radio Mankato Stage Area the following style and size bag:

  • Clear tote (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" or a plastic storage bag that is a maximum of one gallon, resealable, and clear.

  • Small bags, such as a small clutch purse, that are approximately the size of a hand with or without a handle or strap will be allowed, but must not exceed 5" x 8".

  • Guests with bags that do not meet guidelines will be asked to return them to a vehicle or transfer their contents to a clear bag.

Bag Policy.png

Outside food and drinks are prohibited. Guests are permitted to bring unopened water bottles and empty, refillable water bottles (no glass or metal).

Alcoholic beverages are available exclusively in the Ellerbe Room Lounge and in the Radio Mankato Stage area.

Camping chairs are permitted for general admission. No bag chairs are allowed in the Radio Mankato Stage area.

  • Alcohol

  • Fireworks

  • Glass

  • Grills

  • Outside food and beverages

  • Pets (except for certified service animals)

  • Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pepper spray, or anything that management determines to be potentially injurious, or may otherwise affect the safety of other guests or the performance of the event.

​

Radio Mankato Stage Area:

In addition, coolers and chairs are NOT permitted in the Radio Mankato Stage area

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