Toronto
Nothing says summer like the aroma of sizzling gourmet meats on the fired up smoking hot grills! With plenty of rides, activities, and kid-friendly food, Ribfest is an event the entire family can enjoy.
Explore GTA and Golden Horseshoe this summer through Ribfests! Visit local attractions and have lunch/dinner at Ribfest. If going to Peterborough, take a cruise through the Liftlocks or if you are visiting with kids, go a canoe adventure; have a beach day at Cobourg; in Scarborough, visit Scarbourough Bluffs or enjoy a walk along Rosetta McClain Gardens; in Pickering, there is Pickering Museum Village, the famous flea market, a splendid waterfront park; amazing waterfalls in Hamilton – with a little planning you can have a great family outing or a perfect day out with your significant other.
Most Rotary Club Ribfests have a Midway, special entertainment for kids and live entertainment.
You may like:
A List of 2018 Rib Fests in and around GTA
Please leave a comment, if we missed any ribfests within 2 hours (~140 km by road) of downtown Toronto.
Newmarket Rib & Craft Beer Fest
Great entertainment, world-class ribs and food vendors, vendors offering unique arts, crafts, antiques, clothing, and other items for sale, rides, and games. Details
May 11 to 13, 2018
17730 Leslie St, Newmarket
Free
Rib Fest & Craft Beer Fest- Toronto
Features the rib teams from along with bbq foods from many of the cities different cultures and along with craft beer vendors! Details
May 17 to 20, 2018
Yonge & Dundas Square
Free
Rotary Rib ‘n’ Roll – Brampton
Official kick-off of summer in Brampton with great entertainment, world-class ribs and food vendors. Details
Friday May 25, 2018 | 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, May 27, 2018 | Noon – 11:00 PM
Sunday, May 28, 2018 | Noon – 07:00 PM
Gage park, 45 Main St N, Brampton
By donation.
Welland RibFest
Friday, May 25, 2018 | 4:00 PM -10:00 PM
Saturday, May 26, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, May 27, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
1100 Niagara St, Welland
Free
Rotary Ribfest – Pickering
Friday June 1, 2018 | Noon – 11:00 PM
Saturday June 2, 2018 | Noon – 11:00 PM
Sunday June 3, 2018 | Noon – 8:00 PM
The Esplanade Park, 1 The Esplanade, Pickering
Free Admission & parking
Bowmanville Rockin’ Rotary Ribs and Brews Ribfest
Barbequed ribs and chicken, plus a beer festival with great craft-brewed beer, and live entertainment! Details
Friday June 8, 2018 | Noon – 11:00 PM
Saturday June 9, 2018 | Noon – 11:00 PM
Sunday June 10, 2018 | 09:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Clarington Fields, 2375 Baseline Rd W, Clarington
Free, donations appreciated.
Erin Rotary Ribfest
Join us for The Rotary Club of Erin’s annual Ribfest!With a stellar music lineup in 2018 that includes a stop on the Settler’s Creek comeback tour and ribbers eagerly vying for the people’s choice award, there are sure to be even more coming out this year! While beer and ribs are ribfest staples, kids deserve a little energizing too. That is why we are making sure there is fun for everybody so you can bring the whole family. This event is for everybody that likes food and fun!. Details
Saturday, June 9, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
McMillan Park, 109 Main Street, Erin
Free
Beach BBQ & Brews Festival – Toronto
Enjoy great BBQ, Live Music, Children’s Area (complete with rides!), BBQ competitions, Grilling Demonstrations, Craft Vendors and of course the Beer and Beverage vendors. Details
Friday, June 15, 2018 | 3:00 PM -11:00 PM
Saturday, June 16, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, June 17, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Woodbine Park, Toronto
Free Admission
STARS & RIBS INNISFIL Ribfest
Friday, June 15, 2018 | 05:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday, June 16, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday, June 17, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Innisfil Recreation Complex, 7315 Yonge St, Innisfil
$3, Children 12 & Under Free
Niagara Falls RibFest
A Whole Weekend of Great Entertainment. All proceeds are distributed back to the community through the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls. Details
Friday, June 15, 2018 | 3:00 PM -11:00 PM
Saturday, June 16, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, June 17, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Niagara Square, QEW and Mcleod Road, Niagara Falls
Free Admission
Oakville Family Rib Fest
Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar Family Ribfest has something for everyone to do! Ribs, cold beer and live music are complemented by hours of fun for kids in the PlayZone and lots of great shopping in the Marketplace. Details
June last weekend
Friday, June 22, 2018 | 04:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, June 22, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, June 22, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sheridan College, Trafalgar Road Campus – 1430 Trafalgar Rd, Oakville
Free Admission
Rib Fest – Toronto
Rotary Etobicoke invites you to kick off your summer at our 17th annual Toronto Ribfest. With two stages going non-stop; with free KidzZone activities; with Toronto’s largest mobile midway, and with all kinds of fun daily attractions – this “Top 100 Festival and Event in Ontario” (for four years in a row) will not leave you wanting! Details
Canada Day Weekend (June last weekend)
June 29- July 2, 2018
Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke
Free
Oh Canada Ribfest – Waterdown
Sponsored by The Rotary Club of Flamborough AM and Rotary Club of Waterdown, this four-day festival will celebrate Canada Day, local entertainment talent and ribs, while raising much-needed funds for the many local and international charities, projects and humanitarian causes the Rotary Clubs support. Events also include A children’s carnival area, with rides, games, food and refreshments and a licensed park. Fireworks on July 1 at dusk. Details
Friday, June 29, 2018 | 03:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Saturday June 30, 2018 | 11:00 AM- 11:30 PM
Sunday July 1, 2018 |11:00 AM- 11:30 PM
Monday July 2, 2018 |11:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Memorial Park, Waterdown
Free Admission & parking
Markham Rotary RibFest
Come join us for a weekend of family fun, great food and music! Award winning BBQ ribs by some of the best ribbers in North America, gourmet food trucks, kids midway amusements, live music by local bands, beer garden and much much more! Details
Friday, July 6, 2018 | 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, July 7, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, July 8, 2018 | 09:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Downtown Markham, 179 Enterprise Blvd., (East Parking Lot), Markham
$2 per person
Whitby Rib Fest
Rib eating contests, tug of war, kids fest and more! Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise. Details
Friday, July 6, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, July 7, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, July 8, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Whitby Victoria Fields, south of Iroquois Park Sports Complex. South of Victoria Street between Gordon St and Watson Street.
Free. Donations welcome.
Milton Rib Fest
Professional Ribbers, musical entertainment, a beer tent featuring Molson’s, activities for the kids and a huge selection of vendors for you to visit during your stay. Details
Friday, July 6, 2018 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, July 7, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, July 8, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Milton Fair Grounds 136 Robert St, Milton
Free
Kawartha Rotary Ribfest – Peterborough
This annual 3 day event is organized by Kawartha Rotary Club and is co-sponsored by Peterborough Downtown Business Area. Enjoy the best barbecue in Peterborough at the 15th Annual Kawartha Rotary Ribfest. Join us for a fun-filled weekend of lip smackin’ food, great music and entertainment, and loads of family fun! Details
Friday, July 13, 2018 | 11:00 AM -10:30 PM
Saturday, July 14, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday, July 15, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Millennium Park, 1 King Street, Peterborough
Free
You may like: Getaway to Kawarthas
Amacon Mississauga Rotary RibFest
July 12 – 15, 2018
Memorial Park in Port Credit, Mississauga
Free to $5
Ancaster RibFest – Hamilton
A full weekend of food, fun, and entertainment as you enjoy all the event has to offer. Details
Friday, July 13, 2018 | 11:00 AM -11:00 PM
Saturday, July 14, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, July 15, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ancaster Fairgrounds
630 Trinity Rd S, Ancaster
Free
Orangeville Rotary Rib Fest
Every July, the Orangeville Rotary Ribfest serves up thousands of mouth-watering ribs with six internationally acclaimed ribbers. There will be the beer tent with beer, wine and coolers, and a midway for the kids located within the Ribfest venue. The continuous live entertainment on the big stage throughout the weekend, will keep your toes tapping. Details
Friday, July 20, 2018 | 04:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, July 21, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, July 22, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Car Show on July 21.
Alder St Arena, 275 Alder St, Orangeville
Free. Donations welcome.
RibFest and Craft Beer Show – Kitchener
2018 marks the 15th Anniversary of this great community event, exploding with flavours of barbequed ribs and chicken, great craft-brewed beer, with live entertainment. Details
Friday, July 20, 2018 | 12:00 PM -10:00 PM
Saturday, July 21, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, July 22, 2018 | 12:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Victoria Park, 80 Schneider Ave, Kitchener
Free
Rib Fest – Richmond Hill
Ribfest is a three-day outdoor event that features professional rib teams travelling to Richmond Hill from across North America. Ribbers cook and compete for various Best titles (as decided by honorary judges). And, in addition to the many delicious food options, there is also live entertainment, a beer garden, children’s and toddler’s fun zone with inflatables and an indoor children’s activity area to enjoy! Details
Friday, July 27, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, July 28, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, July 29, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill
Free
Bolton Rotaryfest
Enjoy an incredible weekend of mouth-watering ribs, entertainment and family fun! Fest feature some of the most renowned professional ribbers as well as many other food vendors, to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds. There will also be entertainment for all ages all weekend long including bands, midway, crafters, mechanical bull, and marketplace. Details
2018 – TBA
Friday, July 21, 2017 | 04:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, July 22, 2017 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, July 23, 2017 | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Caledon Community Complex, Caledon East
Free
Preferred parking is $5.00/car. and Free shuttle
St Catharines Rotary Rib Fest
Lip Smackin’ Finger-Lickin’ Ribs from all over North America Are you looking for delicious ribs, great music and fun for the whole family.Details
Civic Holiday Weekend in August.
2018 TBA
Montebello Park, 64 Ontario Street St. Catharines
Free
Scarborough Rib Fest
Enjoy delicious ribs, hot dogs, french fries, corn on the cob and more… Midway rides, and skill testing games, Karaoke competition everyday, Creative designs by crafters and vendors, All day beer garden and more! Details
2018 – TBA, Usually Civic Holiday Weekend
Thomson Memorial Park, Corner of Lawrence Ave. & Brimley Rd., Toronto
Free
Port Perry RibFest
Event is over 3 days (rain or shine) and includes award winning Ribbers, other food vendors, plus fully licensed open and tented area. Outdoor stage and premium sound system for musical performances, including headliner acts each evening. Details
Friday, July 27, 2018 | 12:00PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, July 28, 2018 | 12:00 PM– 10:00PM
Sunday, July 29, 2018 | 12:00 PM– 9:00PM
Palmer Park, Port Perry Waterfront
Free
Woodbridge Rib Fest – Vaughan
Great entertainment, world-class ribs and food vendors, rides, and games. Details
Friday, August 10, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 11, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 12, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Woodbridge Fairgrounds, Porter Ave, Woodbridge
Free
Brantford Kinsmen Annual Ribfest
Savour mouth-watering ribs, hamburgers, slow-roasted corn, blooming onions and cool treats like ice cream and snow cones. The Molson Beer garden will be open daily, which is always the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the live music. Award-winning ribbers from all over North America will showcase their finest ribs and sauces. While ribs take centre stage, there is a lot more to enjoy at the festival. Local bands will be performing all weekend as well as the headliners presented by the OLG. Take some time to stroll through the Marketplace. Browse unique items while supporting local merchants. Brantford’s Ribfest has thought of everything this year. Details
August 10, 11 and 12, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Cockshutt Park, 35 Sherwood Dr, Brantford
Free
Whitchurch-Stouffville Country Rib Fest
Featuring some of Canada’s great Rock and Country acts with the mouth watering Ribs and chicken, ReMax Hot Air Balloon Rides, Kids’ Zone with amusements and inflatables, Great musical acts, Merchandise vendors’ row and more! Details
Friday, August 10, 2018 | 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 11, 2018 | 11:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 12, 2018 | 11:00 PM – 07:00 PM
Memorial Park, Stouffville
Free
Cambridge RibFest
Hosted by Rotary Clubs of Cambridge Sunrise & Cambridge North. Best 3-day food, fun & family event this summer! Live Entertainment & KidZone Play Area. Details
Friday, August 10, 2018 | 11:00 AM -10:00 PM
Saturday, August 11, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, August 12, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Riverside Park, Cambridge
Free
Hamilton RibFest
A full weekend of food, fun, and entertainment as you enjoy all the event has to offer. Details
Friday, August 10, 2018 | 4:00 PM -10:00 PM
Saturday, August 11, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 12, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Gage Park
1000 Main St E, Hamilton
Free
Rib Fest – Oshawa
Hosted by Rotary Club of Oshawa. Great entertainment, finger-licking good ribs and food vendors. Details
Friday, August 17, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 19, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Lakeview Park, 55 Lakeview Park Avenue, Oshawa
Free
Northumberland Rib Fest – Cobourg
Great entertainment, world-class ribs and food vendors, rides, and games. Details
Friday, August 17, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 19, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 07:00 PM
Victoria Park, South of King Street, Cobourg
Free
CNE Rib Fest – Toronto
Ribbers from evribwhere won’t want to miss this fabulous feast as a multitude of rib masters compete to win “best rib recipe”! Details
August 17 – September 3, 2018 |11:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place, Toronto
CNE Admission.
Rib Fest – Georgetown
Great entertainment, top rib teams from across North America, serving up the most mouthwatering, finger lickin’ BBQ, vendors offering unique arts, crafts, antiques, clothing, and other items for sale, rides, and games. Details
Friday, August 17, 2018 | 04:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 19, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Georgetown Fairgrounds, Halton Hills
Free
Rib Fest – Aurora
Not only will there be the tastiest ribs but you can also try your hand at roasted yams, roasted corn on the cob, beavertails and many other dishes.Live entertainment, an inflatable midway and activities for kids of all ages. A beer garden will be run by the Aurora Rotary Club. Details
Friday, August 24 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 25 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sunday,August 26, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Machell Park, Aurora
Free, 8 PM – 11 PM – (ticketed)
Ribs, Rythm & Rotary – Guelph
If you love cars, then you will love the Classics that will be on display at Ribfest in Guelph.Details
Friday, August 24, 2018 | Noon – 11:00 PM
Saturday, August 25, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 26, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Riverside Park
709 Woolwich St, Guelph
Free
Orilla RibFest
A full weekend of food, fun, and entertainment as you enjoy all the event has to offer. Details
Friday, August 24, 2018 | 4:00 PM -11:00 PM
Saturday, August 25, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, August 26, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tudhope Park, 500 Atherley Rd, Orillia
Free
Woodbine Ribfest – Toronto
Enjoy a weekend of delicious ribs and BBQ, food trucks, live country music and thrilling horse racing that you don’t want to miss! Details
2018 TBA
Friday, August 25, 4-11PM
Saturday, August 26, 12-11PM
Sunday, August 27, 12-10PM
Woodbine Racetrack
555 Rexdale Blvd, Toronto
Adults: $5, children 12 years and under: free
Canada’s Largest Rib Fest – Burlington
Friday, August 31, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday, September 1, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, September 2, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Monday, September 3, 2018 | 11:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd Burlington
Free
Waterloo Rib & Craft Beer Fest
Great entertainment, world-class ribs and food vendors, vendors offering unique arts, crafts, games. Details
September 7 to 9, 2018
100 Father David Bauer Dr, Waterloo
Free
Owen Sound Ribfest & Music Festival
We have selected 5 of North America’s Best Rib Teams coming from Texas, Florida, Alabama and Ontario. These Pitmasters are ready to serve you and your friends Award-Winning Mouth-Watering BBQ Smoked Ribs. There will be a variety of festival foods like corn dogs, roasted corn, poutines, funnel cakes and of course to wash it all down nice cold beer. + a Midway with rock climbing and games and live music. Details
Friday, September 14, 2018 – 5PM-11PM
Saturday, September 15, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, September 16, 2018 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
1900 3rd Ave east
Owen Sound
$3, kids free
Ajax Rib Fest
Great entertainment, world-class ribs and food vendors, vendors offering unique arts, crafts, games. Details
September 14 to 16, 2018
Ajax Downs, 80 Kingston Rd E, Ajax
Free
Rotary Ribfests profits go back to the local community through various charitable programs and Northern Rib heat Series is a for profit company (as far as we know).
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The Dates for Thornhill are incorrect – When I checked the site it said July 27 to 29 – https://www.northernheatribseries.ca/thornhill/
Thank you! It was not there in the list. We will add it soon.