11 summer Rib Fests happening in and around Toronto this summer

Summer is in full swing which means BBQ season is at its peak in Toronto! If you want to spend your weekends enjoying BBQ and beers, just follow the wafting scent of slow-smoked meats as summer rib fests pop-up across the GTA for the next two months.

Here are 11 summer rib festivals happening in and around the GTA in 2018.

Toronto Ribfest

Spend the Canada Day long weekend eating BBQ, riding the midway, and watching live performances at this annual event!

When: June 29 to July 1, 11 am to 10 pm; July 2, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke

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Milton Rib Fest

Family-friendly fun and so much food! This rib fest boasts the best BBQ in Canada, an all-new craft beer market, backyard games, a kids zone, and more!

When: July 6 to 7, 2018
Where: Milton Fairgrounds, 136 Robert Street, Milton

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Markham Rotary Ribfest

Ribbers, food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, and more! Now in its 15th year, this annual event returns to downtown Markham for a weekend of BBQ and beers! Admission is $2 per person.

When: July 6 to 8, 2018
Where: 179 Enterprise Boulevard, East Parking Lot, Markham

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Whitby Rib Fest

Award-winning ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and more are on the menu at this rib fest just east of Toronto. In addition to BBQ, spend the weekend enjoying the midway, art show, and live entertainment.

When: July 6 to 8, 2018
Where: 500 Victoria Street West, Whitby

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Ancaster Rib Fest

Just a short drive from Toronto, this rib fest offers the perfect excuse for a day trip! Finger licking BBQ isn’t the only attraction on the bill, look forward to a craft beer market, life-sized board games, wine and spirits area, kids zone, and more.

When: July 13 to 15
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road Sout, Ancaster

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Thornhill Rib Fest

Bringing the heat to the city above Toronto, this edition of the Northern Heat Rib Series promises a weekend full of food, fun, and entertainment.

When: July 27 to 29, 2018
Where: Dufferin and Clark Community Centre

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Richmond Hill Ribfest

Admission is free to this three-day outdoor event that features pro rib teams cooking and competing for various “Best” titles. Joining the fun, look forward to live entertainment, a marketplace, beer garden, and midway.

When: July 27 to 29, 2018
Where: Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park

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Woodbridge Rib Fest

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge this outdoor food fest not only features BBQ but also a Kids’ Barn complete with interactive activities, storytelling, and a Mad Hatter Tea Party.

When: August 10 to 12, 2018
Where: Woodbridge Fairgrounds, 100 Porter Avenue, Vaughan,

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Scarborough Rib Fest

Back for its 17th year, this east Toronto food fest is all about ribs, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and more summertime essentials. Festival-goers can look forward to an all-day beer garden, daily karaoke competition, midway rides and skill testing games.

When: August 4 to 6, 2018
Where: Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Road, Scarborough

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Hamilton Rib Fest

Will travel for BBQ? Head to this summer food fest for a weekend of slow-smoked meats, craft beers, life-sized board games, and a variety of food and drink vendors.

When: August 10 to 12, 2018
Where: Gage Park, 1000 Main Street East, Hamilton

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CNE Ribfest

While details are still TBA this rib fest is a favourite tradition at The Ex and the perfect way to fuel your end-of-summer fun with something more substantial than funnel cakes and mini doughnuts.