Ribfest

Retro Ribfest is making a return this summer! Get ready for a flavourful weekend as we bring back the best of the past during our three-day event. From top-notch rib teams representing North America to a lineup of entertainment that spans the decades, nostalgia awaits for you at this year’s Retro Ribfest.

Starting Friday, July 19, Richmond Green Park will be full of music and activities from the '70s '80s and '90s. Saturday, we rewind to the Rock and Roll of the '70s and, on Sunday, the sweet sounds of the '60s will fill the air. In addition to hearing your favourite hits from the past, enjoy some of the many delicious food options, and play all day in one of the region's largest midways.

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Dates and Times

Friday, July 19 from 12 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 20 from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 21 from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

*Please note, entrance to the park will be closed approximately 15 minutes prior to end time.

Location: Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East

A few friendly reminders before you come to Ribfest:

Due to the nature of this festival and to ensure the safety of attendees, pets are not permitted within the festival area. Pets are welcome on the rest of the Richmond Green Park grounds.
Some vendors, including the Ribbers, will be accepting cash only. ATM's are located near the Ribbers and in the Midway area.
Only empty reusable water bottles or sealed bottles are permitted on-site. Attendees can be refill their bottles at Richmond Hill’s Fill It Up Water Trailer. Unsealed bottles will be emptied upon entering the event grounds.

Festival Details

Meet the Ribbers

Bibbs Texas BBQ

Want your baby back ribs? In addition to the side ribs, chicken and pulled pork, Bibbs Texas BBQ is the only ribber on the circuit selling baby back ribs! Learn more about Bibbs Texas BBQ.

Billy Bones BBQ

Celebrating more than 30 years of excellence! Billy Bones BBQ sauces only have won over 250 awards including 50 first place finishes. Learn more about Billy Bones BBQ.

Camp 31

Along with the awards and trophies, Camp 31 is one of the highest productive BBQ teams on the road today, cooking the best Southern Style Bar-B-Que around - slow smoked over hickory logs ensuring the tenderest meat and the most flavorful rib experience! Learn more about Camp 31.

Hawgs Gone Wild BBQ

Hawgs Gone Wild BBQ has been on the barbecue competition circuit for the past ten years. With their famous sweet and sticky BBQ sauce, Hawgs Gone Wild has won well over 150 awards! Learn more about Hawgs Gone Wild BBQ.

Sticky Fingers

Sticky Fingers is unabashedly obsessed with barbecue. Enjoy the messiness in all it's glory! Dig in. Get messy. And whatever you do, don't apologize when things get sticky. Learn more about Sticky Fingers.

Entertainment Schedules

Friday, July 19, 2024

Immerse yourself in the irresistible rhythm and captivating melodies of the '80s and '90s. Check out these amazing performers at the main stage.

Time	Performer
6 - 8 p.m.	The Dawgs (Shael Risman)
8 - 10 p.m.	Randy Starr

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Step back in time to the rhythmic revolution that defined an era. From the groovy vibes of disco to the rebellious anthems of rock 'n' roll, soak up the sweet sounds of the '70s.

Time	Performer
12 - 2 p.m.	Cosmo School of Music
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.	Kendall Lily
4 - 4:45 p.m.	Rib Eating Contest
5 - 7 p.m.	Freeloader
8 - 10 p.m.	ZZ Topp (cover band)

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Transport yourself to an era of revolution and love while enjoying the sounds of both Motown and the beginnings of '60s rock 'n' roll.

Time	Performer
12 - 2 p.m.	Meep Moop
2 - 4 p.m.	Bonnie and the Bearcats
4 - 4:30 p.m.	Best Ribs and Best Sauce Announcement
5 - 7 p.m.	Blushing Brides

*Schedule Subject to Change*

Interactive Areas

Ribfest offers a variety of exciting activities and activations for the whole family to participate in and enjoy!

Superior Events Midway

Play all day in one of the Region's largest Midways with more than 20 mechanical and inflatable attractions and a low-impact play-zone for toddlers. Individual tickets ($6 each) and Unlimited Ride Wristbands ( $35 each) will be available for purchase, providing hours of family fun.

Marketplace & Artist Exhibit

In addition to great food, we have a select group of artists and vendors showcasing and selling their products onsite. Be sure to check out the following booths:

Anime Brand Boutique
Bubble Scrubbies
Hooshvar Foundation Corp.
Mini me Munchkins
New Independent Marketing
Rad Caricatures
Redfeather Natural Products
Root Vegetable Collection
Sol Candles
Triple C & Co Boutique

Contests

We have a number of exciting contests and activities being planned for you to rewind with us through the decades. Start digging out your favourite vintage pieces of clothing and brush up on your skipping skills! Pre-Registration is required and closes at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17.

Register Today!

Craft – Flower Crowns: Saturday, July 20 from 1-2 p.m. *Registration is full; accepting waitlist registrations
Milk Shake / Float Drinking Contest: Saturday, July 20 from 2-2:30 p.m.
Skipping Contest: Saturday, July 20 from 3-3:30 p.m.
Rib Eating Contest: Saturday, July 20 from 4-5 p.m.
Etch a Sketch Contest: Sunday, July 21 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Contestants must check-in at the contest registration tent no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time, otherwise the contest waitlist will be opened up.

Small Business Enterprise Centre

The Summer Company program, funded by the Government of Ontario and administered through the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre, helps students between the ages of 15 and 29 years old start and run their own summer business by providing funding, training, and mentorship. Come and meet these young entrepreneurs at Richmond Hill’s Ribfest on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20. They will be located along the interlock walkway, north of the Agricultural Building #2.

Food and Beverage Concessions

In addition to the delicious rib vendors, treat yourself and indulge in a variety of offerings such as festival-style delights, including corn on the cob, blooming onions, freshly squeezed lemonade, bubble tea and more. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available for purchase.

Alabama's Freshly Squeezed
AthenSeoul - Souvlaki Fusion
Billy Bobs Bloomin Onions
Candy Fruit (Tanghulu)
Chocolux
Churricos
Farm Boy
Festival Food Inc
Golden Grill Food Truck
Happy Twist
Mister Soft Treats
Mobile ICEE Canada
Moetarts
Mr. Kettle Corn
Ontario Corn Roaster
Super Smash Juice Inc.
Teammate ltd
Tiny Tom's Donuts
Tornado Fries
Tropic Love

King Henry's Arms Beer Garden

Enjoy an alcoholic beverage provided by King Henry's Arms, a long-time Richmond Hill establishment. A variety of craft beers and coolers will be available for purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cost of admission?

A: Admission to the event is free. Fees will apply for any vendor purchases and midway attractions.

Q: Where can I park?

A: There are various public parking signs throughout the venue for parking. There are also parking attendants on-site to help direct traffic through the parking lots.

Q: Is there accessible parking?

A: Yes, accessible parking is available onsite in the Reserved Parking Lot.

Q: Can I ride my bicycle to the event?

A: You are encouraged to walk or bike! Limited bike racks are available near the entrance of the Sports Centre.

Q: Does the event close if it rains?

A: The event will continue rain or shine. In case of inclement weather where safety is a concern, you will be asked to exit the park.

Q: Is there an ATM on-site?

A: Yes, there is an ATM located inside the Midway area.

Q: Can I bring my dog or other pets?

A: Due to the nature of this festival and to ensure the safety of all Ribfest patrons, pets are NOT permitted within the gated festival area. Pets are however, welcome to enjoy the rest of Richmond Green Park.

Q: Can I bring my water bottle to the event?

A: Empty reusable water bottles or sealed bottles are permitted on site and can be filled at the Fill-it-Up Water Trailer. Please note that unsealed bottles will be emptied upon entering the event grounds.

Q: Where are the festival entrances located?

A: The two entrances/exits are located on the south pathway north of the Richmond Hill Soccer Club House and on the interlock walkway directly north of the Boynton House.

Q: Are there vegetarian options available?

A: Yes. Vegetarian options include roasted corn and yams, blooming onions, french fries, twisted potatoes, deep fried offerings, soft serve ice cream, freshly squeezed juices and lemonade, slushies, popsicles, soda fountain drinks, cotton candy and funnel cakes.

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