The Best Thing You Can Do This Weekend: Enjoy country, funk, rock ’n ribs in the great outdoors

It’s November 9th.

In the Midwest — let’s choose Sheboygan, Wisconsin, just for fun  — the projected low tonight is 23 degrees.

In St. Petersburg, the projected low is 72.

So there you have it — the reason people love Florida. More to the point, it’s the reason people love Ribfest — because, when much of the country is freezing, in St. Petersburg we get to go to an outdoor music festival and munch on some of America’s best BBQ. What’s not to like? Especially tonight: The fest is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, so Friday admission is just $5.

The Friday music lineup is heavy on cover bands; Saturday has country stars; and Sunday has the biggest names (Los Lonely Boys and Barenaked Ladies). But whichever night you go, there are few Florida experiences more blissful than chowing down and rocking out on a balmy evening in November. Plus, the Northeast Exchange Club, the organizers, raise money through Ribfest for a variety of youth-oriented causes.

Ribfest, 11/9-11, gates open at 4 p.m., Vinoy Park, 501 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg, ribfest.org.