Come see the smoke rollin' in Downtown Eastland
This page will be updated as more information is received. Â
13th Annual Rip's Ribs Cook-Off:
LOCATION: OLD RIP DOWNTOWN SQUARE
The Annual Rip's Ribs Cook-off is a great day in downtown Eastland to fire up your grill and make your famous Ribs with special rubs, sauces, spices, and more! Enjoy a variety of vendors and more food options than you have room in your stomach for.
NEW FOR 2026:
Cook Teams supply their own St. Louis-style Ribs. The Chamber WILL NOT supply ribs this year.
OPTIONAL CATEGORIES (Updated 3/1/2026) Desserts, Chicken, Wild Game, Beef, Beans
Ribs Cook-Off Prize Winnings:
1st Place - Â Â $1,000.00
2nd Place- Â Â $750.00
3rd Place- Â Â Â $500.00
4th Place- Â Â Â $250.00
5th Place-Â Â Â $150.00
Rip's Wine Festival/Sip & Eat
LOCATION: Connellee Hotel & Civic Center, 209 W Main St.
Back by popular demand is the 6th Annual Rip’s Wine Festival held from 12:00 PM-6:00 PM.
Rip’s Wine Festival Tickets:
- -Pre-Sale Tickets: $20 for 10 tastings & a souvenir glass
- -At the Door Tickets: $25 for 10 tastings (souvenir glasses are given on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last)
Pre-sale tickets are available until 5:00 PM on Thursday, April 9th online and can be purchased in person at the Chamber Office located on the first floor of the Connellee Hotel, or from a Chamber Ambassador or Board Member in the weeks leading up to the event. Tickets at the door will be available for purchase at the check-in table during the event. Please note, we are now able to accept card payments at the door but there will be a convenience/processing fee. If you would like to avoid such fees, we suggest purchasing your tickets from a Chamber Ambassador, Board Member in advance or bringing cash on the day of.
2026 Winery List:Â
CC Farms Winery - Breckenridge, TX
Cresson Bluff Winery - Cresson, TX
Blue Duck Winery - Cisco, TX
The Winery at Willow Creek - Abilene, TX
Calling all wineries!
If you’d like to be a wine vendor at Rip’s Wine Festival, click the button below to join us, or give us a call at 254-629-2332.
Vendor Booths Downtown on the Square
FOOD TRUCKS: In front of the Connellee Hotel & Event Center, 209 W. Main St. 11 AM - 6 PM
By Invitation Only
Eastland High School Jazz Festival:
Join us for the Eastland Jazz Festival, presented by the EHS Band.
JAZZ BAND SCHEDULE
Inside the Majestic Theatre
Live Entertainment on the Square
The Cognitos
Past Cook Off Photos:
