11 massive Rib Fests happening in and around Toronto this summer

Summer is on its way — we promise. Which means that BBQ season is fast approaching, too!

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 over the next few months.

Here are 10 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 28, 3 pm to 10 pm; July 1 and 2, 11 am to 10 pm
Where: Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke

Instagram

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 19, 4 pm to 11 pm; July 20, 12 pm to 11 pm; July 21, 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Milton Fairgrounds, 136 Robert Street, Milton

Instagram

Markham Rotary Ribfest

Ribbers, food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, and more! Now in its 16th year, this annual event returns to downtown Markham for a weekend of BBQ and beers! Admission is $2 per person.

When: July 5 to 7
Where: 179 Enterprise Boulevard, East Parking Lot, Markham

Facebook

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 12 to 14
Where: 500 Victoria Street West, Whitby

Instagram

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 12, 4 pm to 11 pm; July 13, 12 pm to 11 pm; July 14, 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road South, Ancaster

Instagram

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 26, 4 pm to 11 pm; July 27, 12 pm to 11 pm; July 28, 12 pm to 7 pm
Where: Dufferin and Clark Community Centre

Instagram

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 26, 12 pm to 11 pm; July 27, 11 am to 11 pm; July 28, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park

Instagram

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 9 to 11, 4 pm to 9:3o pm
Where: Woodbridge Fairgrounds, 100 Porter Avenue, Vaughan,

Facebook

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 2 to 5
Where: Thomson Memorial Park, 1005 Brimley Road, Scarborough

Facebook

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 9, 12 pm to 11 pm; August 10, 11 am to 11 pm; August 11, 11 am to 8 pm
Where: Gage Park, 1000 Main Street East, Hamilton

Instagram

Canada’s Largest Rib Fest

What you see is what you get: this is the country’s largest rib fest! Organized by the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore, these are the folks that planned Ontario’s first Ribfest in 1996. Since that day, all proceeds collected have gone to charity.

When: Labour Day Weekend – Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2
Where: Spencer Smith Park – 1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington

Instagram