History proves you can't go wrong with burgers, ribs, and beer. In line with that, the Great American Backyard Burger & Rib Festival is a three-day celebration of those simple pleasures. Local eateries Red Osier Burgers, SwillBurger, Tapas 177, The Owl House, and more will be serving burgers and ribs in Martin Luther King Jr. Park beginning 12 p.m. Friday. Music will be provided by local bluesman Joe Beard, and local blues bands Dan Schmitt and the Shadows, Jeff Cosco, The BBQ Band, and the Tom Passamonte Band. To top that off, both Friday and Saturday will see headlining sets from rhythm and blues workhorses The Coupe de Villes. The festival also features a handful of competitions, like the "Burger Pro Competition" (an amateurs competition will also be held), the Best Ribs of Rochester competition (also open to amateurs), and for the real Rochesterian, a Nick Tahou Garbage Plate Eating Competition.

The Great American Backyard Burger and Ribs Festival will be held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (353 Court Street), on Friday August 21, through Sunday, August 23. 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free during the day until 5 p.m. when admission jumps to $3 per person, children under 12 free. backyardburgerfest.com.