Major summer ribfest returns to Ontario to draw crowds from across the GTA

One of Oakville’s biggest annual summer events is set to return this week as the Oakville Family Ribfest prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for a three-day celebration of food, music and community.

The festival runs June 26 to 28 at the Sheridan College Oakville campus on Trafalgar Road, continuing its tradition as one of the largest outdoor events in the town and a major draw for the wider Halton and GTA region.

Organized by the Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar and the Oakville Lions Club, Ribfest brings together food vendors, live entertainment, a midway, marketplace and family activities, with organizers emphasizing its role as both a community celebration and a major fundraiser for local charities.

Admission is set at $7, with free entry for children eight and under and free parking available on site.

Festival hours run Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Each year, the event draws large crowds to the Sheridan College grounds, with organizers describing the expanded paved site as allowing for more vendors, more entertainment and more family-focused activities.

This year’s festival will feature eight rib teams competing on the “Wall of Ribs,” including Camp 31, Route 55, Gator BBQ, Bubba Lou’s BBQ, Jack the Ribber, Crazy Canuck Smokers, Brick Yard BBQ and Texas Jack’s BBQ. Visitors will also be able to vote for their favourite ribs during the weekend.

Beyond barbecue, the event includes a wide range of food options such as poutine, funnel cakes, blooming onions, corn on the cob, hot dogs, ice cream, lemonade and other festival favourites.

The midway, operated by Astro Amusements, will offer rides and attractions, while the KidsZone will provide family-focused activities. A marketplace featuring local vendors and businesses will also be part of the weekend programming.

Live music is scheduled throughout the festival, with performances spanning cover bands, original acts and cultural performances, adding to the event’s entertainment lineup.

New this year, organizers are also offering a FastPass option, allowing guests to bypass food lineups, access a reserved dining tent and receive complimentary beverages. A portion of FastPass proceeds supports local charitable initiatives.

Organizers say Ribfest remains one of Oakville’s most important community events, helping to fund dozens of local non-profit organizations through proceeds generated by the festival and related fundraising efforts throughout the year.

The event typically attracts thousands of attendees and is widely regarded as a key fixture on the town’s summer calendar, combining entertainment with community fundraising and volunteer support.

As the countdown continues, organizers say the focus is on expanding the experience while maintaining the festival’s long-standing emphasis on community connection and charitable impact.