Kitchener 
Downtown Elora is set to host a large-scale outdoor barbecue event featuring over 25 local restaurants, regional beverages, live performances, and activities for all ages.
Organizers expect more than 10,000 attendees, exceeding the 7,500 who participated last year.
Elora’s Longest BBQ will take place along West Mill Street and the Pedestrian Bridge. The event marks the official start of Food Day Canada 2026, a national tribute to Canadian cuisine and the communities that support it.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a rain date of July 29.
After drawing more than 12,000 guests in 2025, this year’s event is expanding with more than 25 Canadian restaurants and drink vendors expected to take part.
Participants include Elora Mill, Bardo Restaurants, South Fire, Earth To Table: The Farm, Ted Reader BBQ, Odd Duck, Elora Brewery, Cave Spring, Steam Whistle Brewery, Cowbell Brewery and more.
New for 2026 is The Seafood Bar Experience, a limited-access add-on featuring oysters, mussels and clams. Seafood Bar Passes cost $30 and are sold separately from regular food and drink tickets.
Families will also find a new Farm to Fork Discovery Education Zone, meant to help visitors connect with where their food comes from in a hands-on way.
Admission is free, and guests can buy food and beverage tickets online in advance, with limited quantities also available on-site. Early bird ticket packages are available until July 16, 2026, ranging from Nibbler at $30.39 to BBQmaxxing at $109.81, each including savoury, sweet and non-alcoholic tickets. Regular packages start July 16, from $32.79 to $120.65. Single tickets include alcoholic drinks at $13.54, non-alcoholic drinks at $6.32, savoury tastings at $11.13 and desserts at $8.72, with fees and taxes included.
Jeff Stewart, Executive Director of Food Day Canada, said the event reflects the purpose of Food Day Canada by celebrating Canadian ingredients and the people who grow, harvest and prepare them.
The event honours Anita Stewart, the late founder of Food Day Canada, whose Canadian Food First message helped spark a national movement.
Proceeds will benefit Food Day Canada’s initiatives.
Elora’s Longest BBQ – 2026
What: More than 25 Canadian restaurants and drink vendors will come together to celebrate Food Day Canada, highlighting homegrown ingredients, local farmers, producers and culinary talent.
Restaurants listed below are subject to change:
- Elora Mill
- Bardo Restaurants
- South Fire (Vancouver Island)
- Earth To Table: The Farm
- The Evelyn Bistro
- Ted Reader BBQ
- Odd Duck
- Mercer Hall
- The Bruce
- Handsome Devil Bistro
- Belly and The Beast
- Lost & Found
- The Friendly Society
- The Royal Room
- Breadalbane
- Marilynne’s
- The Joint
- Wild & Free
- Sweet Distractions
- Scoop
- Petit Manger
- Dar’s Country Market
- The GrandWay
- Zee’s Please
- Elora Brewery
- Cave Spring
- Elora Distilling Company
- Wines of Ontario
- Steam Whistle Brewery
- Cowbell Brewery
- County Bounty Soda
- Beelicious
· …and more to be announced!
Where: West Mill Street & the Jack R. MacDonald Pedestrian Bridge, Downtown Elora
When: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 (Rain date: July 29) | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How Much: Free admission | | Food & beverages available for purchase
Online ticket sales end July 25 at 11 PM. After this date, tickets can be purchased in person at the event while quantities last.
