Ribfest

Retro Ribfest is still serving up great food, live entertainment, and family fun this weekend. If you're planning to visit, please be aware of current air quality conditions and take precautions as needed. Stay hydrated, take breaks indoors when necessary, and monitor how you're feeling while enjoying the festivities.

Turn back the clock and enjoy a weekend filled with nostalgia, great vibes, and unforgettable memories. Indulge in mouthwatering ribs, delicious festival fare, and crowd-favorite tunes as the best throwback hits keep you singing and dancing all weekend long.

Keep the fun going in the Party Tyme Fun Zone, where kids can play, families can connect, and everyone can embrace the spirit of summer. From fantastic food and live entertainment to family-friendly activities, Retro Ribfest offers something for all ages to enjoy.

Mark your calendars and join us July 17 – 19 at Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East.

Friday, July 17  I  12 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 18  I 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 19  I 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Ribfest Site Map

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

Download Your Friday Rib Coupon

A few friendly reminders before you come to Ribfest:

1) Only service animals that are trained to perform essentials tasks for their companions are welcome into festival grounds. Emotional support animals do not meet the criteria of a service animal and unfortunately are not permitted into the festival grounds due to the nature of this festival. Pets are welcome on the rest of the Richmond Green Park grounds.

2) Some vendors, including the Ribbers, will be accepting cash only. ATM's are located near the amusement area.

3) Only empty reusable water bottles or sealed bottles are permitted on-site. Attendees can 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!

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.

Food & 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 Lemonade

Billy Bobs Blooming Onion

Festival Food Inc.

Happy Twist

MISTER SOFTEE INC
Meika Bar

Mobile ICEE

Mr. Kettle Corn
Ontario Corn Roasters
PalettAmérica

Sanny Hotdog
Super Smash Juice

Super Crunch Tanghulu

Teamate

Tiny Tom Donuts

Tornado Fries

Tropic Love Concessions

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.

Entertainment Schedules

Friday, July 17

Start Time	Artist/Band Name
6 - 7:45 p.m.	NESS
8 - 10 p.m.	Daniel Panneta and Midnight Company

Daniel Panetta and The Midnight Company - Live on the Main Stage on Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m.

Daniel Panetta and The Midnight Company bring the timeless sound of Motown to life with an energetic live show celebrating the greatest hits of Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and more. Led by internationally acclaimed vocalist and keyboardist Daniel Panetta, this talented ensemble delivers an unforgettable performance filled with soul, energy, and classic hits.

Saturday, July 18

Start Time	Artist/Band Name
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.	Undetermined
1:30 - 2:15 p.m.	Rubicon Taste Test Contest
2:30 – 4 p.m.	Logan Levi
4 - 5 p.m.	Rib Eating Contest
5 - 7 p.m.	Killer Hooks
7 – 8 p.m.	Rubicon Taste Test Contest
8 - 10 p.m.	Carl Dixon

Carl Dixon - Live on the Main Stage on Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m.

Carl Dixon’s powerful vocals and passion for music have put him at the forefront of the Canadian rock industry for most of his life. His first paid music gig was playing at a pub near Collingwood where he was too young to be served alcohol but rocked the crowd with his vocals. Forty+ years on he's renowned as both a solo artist and being in iconic Canadian rock bands CONEY HATCH, THE GUESS WHO and APRIL WINE.

Sunday, July 19

Start Time	Artist/Band Name
12 - 1:30 p.m.	Sara Kae
2:30 - 4 p.m.	Uncle Bevy
4 - 4:30 p.m.	Reveal of the Best Rib and Sauce Awards
5 - 7 p.m.	AV-OX

AV-OX - Live on the Main Stage on Sunday, July 19 at 5 p.m.

AV-OX (pronounced Aye-Vee OX) is a Vaughan-based four-piece cover band with over six years of experience entertaining audiences across the GTA. Their diverse repertoire spans the '70s, disco, '80s and new wave, grunge, classic rock, and today's pop and dance hits. Having performed at festivals, weddings, private events, and local pubs and restaurants, AV-OX delivers an energetic, crowd-pleasing show for audiences of all ages.

Interactive Areas

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

Amusement Areas

Party Tyme Treats and Amusements is a family-owned and operated company with over 10 years of experience, proudly offering some of the most unique and thrilling inflatables and attractions around the region.

To enjoy our exciting attractions, you may purchase a pass on-site:

Single Day FunZone Pass: Grants unlimited access to Party Tyme Fun Zones for one full day.

Full Weekend FunZone Pass: Enjoy unlimited access to Party Tyme Fun Zones for all three days!

Single Ride Tickets: Available for those who prefer to pay per ride ($5 each).

Marketplace and Artist Exhibit

In addition to great food, we have a select group of artists and vendors showcasing and selling their products onsite.

Mini Me Munchkins

Undertonez Inc.

Activity and Contest Hub

Location: Agriculture Building 1

Dates and Times:

Friday, July 17: 5 - 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 18: 12 - 5 p.m.

Sunday, July 19: 12 - 5 p.m.

Join family-friendly fun for all ages! Enjoy classic field games, participate in a contest or try your hand at DIY crafts. It's the ultimate spot for kids—and kids at heart—to burn off energy and win cool prizes. Check out the schedule below!

Friday, July 17

Time	Details
6 - 8 p.m.	Scavenger Hunt
6 - 7 p.m.	Rodeo Sack Race
7 - 8 p.m.	Best Western Costume Contest

Saturday, July 18

Time	Details
2 - 5 p.m.	Scavenger Hunt
2 - 3 p.m.	Spelling Bee
3 - 4 p.m.	Retro Musical Chairs
4 - 5 p.m.	Retro Dress Up Contest
4 - 5 p.m.	Rib Eating Contest

Sunday, July 19

Time	Details
1 - 4 p.m.	Scavenger Hunt
1 - 2 p.m.	Hula Hoop Challenge
2 - 3 p.m.	Keep Up Challenge
3 - 4 p.m.	Soccer Tic Tac Toe Tournament
4 - 5 p.m.	Soccer BINGO

Registration opens one hour prior to each contest and closes once all spots are full.

*Contest/activity times subject to change

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 Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, July 19 from 12-6 p.m. They will be located along the interlock walkway, north of the Agricultural Building #2.

The following is the list of businesses that are participating:

Decalify
Dulce
Honey Hook Studio
Ivory Touch Detailing
KAETHERIA Jewellery
Mill Pond Outdoor Services
Orola
Pickle and Co.
Reliable Naomi
Seal Coat Co

Surpriz & Solve Studio

Swim Star Richmond Hill

Passport to Culture

Richmond Hill Passport to Culture is a year-long cultural adventure that invites residents and visitors to discover the vibrant arts, heritage, and cultural experiences across Richmond Hill.

Stop by Retro Ribfest to collect one of six virtual stamps needed to complete your passport and enter for a chance to win a City of Richmond Hill Cultural Prize Pack!

Ready to explore? Learn more about the Richmond Hill Passport to Culture and start your journey today.

Visiting from outside Richmond Hill and looking to collect more stamps? Turn your trip into a staycation and take advantage of exclusive preferred rates for Retro Ribfest attendees at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North. Reserve your room today.

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 amusement area.

Q: Can I bring my dog or other pets?

A: Only service animals that are trained to perform essentials tasks for their companions are welcome into festival grounds. Emotional support animals do not meet the criteria of a service animal and unfortunately are not permitted into the festival grounds due to the nature of this festival. Pets are welcome on the rest of the Richmond Green Park grounds.

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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