Updated August 16, 2026
Texas Roadhouse Rib Fest 2026
Menu, rib prices, contests, dates and giveaway status
The Great American Rib Fest is back for summer 2026. Here is what the campaign actually includes, what the featured ribs cost, how local eating contests work and why the Ram giveaway is already closed.
All Summer
Campaign
~900 cal
Half Slab
~1,450 cal
Full Slab
Entries Closed
Giveaway
What Is the Great American Rib Fest?
Texas Roadhouse is using Rib Fest to spotlight the ribs that have been part of its menu for decades. It is a national summer campaign, but it is not a separate prix-fixe event and the official campaign page does not promise one nationwide discounted rib price. The featured lineup is the regular Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs, pulled pork and rib combinations already sold at participating restaurants.
Local activity varies. Some restaurants may hold rib-eating contests, while others may simply promote the featured menu. Use our Texas Roadhouse location finder and call the restaurant if a contest is the reason for your visit.
How the Ribs Are Made
1
Rubbed and slow-cooked
Texas Roadhouse says every rack is prepared low and slow over a three-day process.
2
Grilled when ordered
The cooked rack goes onto the grill to build a smoky char and caramelized edge.
3
Sauced at the finish
Signature barbecue sauce is applied when the order is finished rather than long before service.
Texas Size Rib Combos
A combo is usually the better choice when you want ribs but do not want a full rack. Each plate pairs a rib portion with another protein. Availability, steak size and price can change by restaurant.
Sirloin & Ribs
A hand-cut sirloin paired with a rib portion
See item details →Ribeye & Ribs
A marbled ribeye with a rib portion
See item details →Filet & Ribs
A tender filet with a rib portion
See item details →Chicken Critters & Ribs
Fried chicken tenders with ribs
See item details →Grilled BBQ Chicken & Ribs
Two barbecue proteins on one plate
See item details →Rib-Eating Contests: What We Know
The official Rib Fest page confirms that select locations are holding hometown rib-eating contests during summer 2026. It does not publish a national list of participating restaurants, shared entry rules or one registration deadline. That means a social post from one restaurant should not be assumed to apply to another location.
Call Your Location
Ask whether it is participating and request the event date.
Confirm Registration
Some local contests may require advance signup or an age minimum.
Arrive Early
Ask when check-in closes and whether spectators need separate seating.
Important date update
The 2026 Ram Giveaway Is Closed
Texas Roadhouse promoted a 2026 Ram 1500 America250 Special Edition Big Horn during Rib Fest. According to the official rules, entries opened June 24, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET and closed July 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The drawing was scheduled for around July 30. As of this page update, visitors should not submit personal information to unofficial pages claiming that entries are still open.
Read the official giveaway rules ↗Best Rib Fest Order by Situation
| Situation | Best Starting Point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First time ordering ribs | Half Slab Ribs | Enough ribs for a full entree without committing to the largest portion. |
| Very hungry or sharing | Full Slab Ribs | The biggest standard rib entree with two included sides. |
| Want steak and ribs | Sirloin & Ribs | Combines the value steak cut with a smaller rib portion. |
| Do not want bones | Pulled Pork Dinner | Keeps the smoky barbecue profile in a fork-friendly format. |
| Ordering for the table | Killer Ribs Basket | A smaller basket that can work as a shared starter. |
Before You Go
Confirm local Rib Fest or contest participation by phone.
Check the local menu because prices vary by restaurant.
Join the waitlist before peak Friday or Saturday dinner hours.
Count sides, rolls, butter and drinks when estimating calories.
Use To-Go ordering if dining-room waits are long.
Do not expect the expired Ram giveaway to accept new entries.
Texas Roadhouse Rib Fest FAQ
What is Texas Roadhouse Rib Fest 2026?+
Texas Roadhouse Rib Fest is a summer celebration centered on Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs, pulled pork and Texas Size Combos. The national promotion also highlights how the ribs are prepared, while select restaurants may host local rib-eating contests.
When does Texas Roadhouse Rib Fest 2026 end?+
Texas Roadhouse describes Rib Fest as an all-summer celebration but does not publish one universal restaurant end date on the campaign page. Local contest schedules and participation vary, so call your chosen restaurant before making a special trip.
Is there a special Texas Roadhouse Rib Fest menu?+
Rib Fest spotlights existing favorites rather than publishing a separate nationwide fixed-price menu. The featured lineup includes half and full slab ribs, pulled pork and Texas Size Combos that pair ribs with steak, chicken or shrimp.
How much are Texas Roadhouse ribs during Rib Fest?+
Our current state menu data shows half slab ribs generally around $18.49–$21.99 and full slab ribs around $23.99–$27.99. Prices vary by location, and Texas Roadhouse has not advertised one national Rib Fest discount price.
How many calories are in Texas Roadhouse ribs?+
The rib portion is approximately 900 calories for a half slab and 1,450 calories for a full slab before your two sides, rolls, butter and drinks are counted.
Are Texas Roadhouse ribs really made over three days?+
Yes. Texas Roadhouse says each rack is rubbed and slow-cooked over three days, then grilled and sauced when ordered. That final grill step creates the smoky, caramelized surface.
How do I enter a Texas Roadhouse Rib Fest rib-eating contest?+
The national page says select locations host contests and instructs guests to check with their local restaurant for dates, rules and participation information. There is no single nationwide registration schedule.
Can I still enter the Texas Roadhouse 2026 Ram giveaway?+
No. The official promotion period ran from June 24 through July 28, 2026. The winner drawing was scheduled for around July 30, so pages still showing an entry button should not be treated as proof that entries remain open.
Can I order Rib Fest food for takeout?+
Ribs, pulled pork and participating combo meals are normally available for To-Go ordering where offered. Availability and local pricing appear after choosing a restaurant in the ordering system.
Information and pricing note
Rib Fest campaign details and giveaway dates were checked against Texas Roadhouse's official 2026 pages. Prices are ranges from this site's state menu dataset and may differ at your restaurant. This independent informational website is not Texas Roadhouse and cannot register guests for local contests.
Official Texas Roadhouse Rib Fest page ↗