Toronto 
Who doesn’t love delicious, juicy ribs? Just thinking about them is making my mouth water and my stomach growl.
Credit: Town of Aurora
If you feel the same way, you can satisfy your cravings at Aurora’s Ribfest.
Known as the town’s ultimate celebration of flavour, Ribfest brings together the best tastes of the year.
From Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24, Machell Park transforms into a hub of smoky grills, sticky fingers, and plenty of sauce. It’s a weekend dedicated to ‘ribs, bibs, and sauce,’ a true feast for food lovers of all ages.
Four award-winning rib teams—Billy Bones, Camp 31, Sticky Fingers, and Uncle Sam’s—will compete to impress crowds with smoky flavours, while an array of food vendors adds variety. Visitors can expect everything from Beavertails and Tiny Tom Donuts to bubble tea, churros, and roasted corn on the cob.
The weekend offers more than food. The Rotary Club of Aurora will host a beer garden each day, while Bullseye Axe Throwing returns on Friday and Saturday. Families can enjoy a Kid Zone on Saturday and Sunday, running through the afternoon.
Music is central to the festival, with performances across all three days. Friday kicks off with Leah Daniels, followed by country star Jason McCoy. Saturday’s lineup includes The Chicks tribute, Blue Silver’s Duran Duran set, Pearl Jamming, The Beresfords, and a headline slot by The Pursuit of Happiness. On Sunday, Project Phoenix, Glenn Marais & The Mojo Train, and Southern Fried lead into the annual Professional Rib Judging and the 2025 Aurora Teen Idol finale.
Ribfest hours stretch late into the evening—running until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closing at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Aurora Ribfest – Trip Planning
What: There will be the tastiest ribs, roasted yams, corn on the cob, beavertails, and many other dishes. There is also a jam-packed lineup with musical acts on the entertainment stage.
When:
August 22 to 24, 2025
Friday | 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Beer Garden by Rotary Club of Aurora | 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Bullseye Axe Throwing | 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday | 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Beer Garden by Rotary Club of Aurora | 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Kid Zone | 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Bullseye Axe Throwing | 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday | 11 am. to 8 p.m.
- Beer Garden | 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Children’s Activity Zone | 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:
Machell Park, 24 Aurora Heights Drive, Aurora
How Much: Free; cost applies to food and some activities.
