9+ ribfests and BBQ festivals to try this summer

2.8K

Updated May 19, 2022.

Ah, ribfests! They’re the sizzle of summer in and around Ottawa. And they’re coming back in 2022!

Every town worth its salt (or barbecue sauce) now seems to host a spring or summer rib party. And even ribs don’t float your boat, there’s lots of other fun to be had at these barbecue festivals. There’s usually live music, kids’ activities, and maybe a beer tent or two! Here are some of the BBQ bashes happening in Eastern Ontario and Quebec in 2022. Enjoy!

• Barrhaven Ribfest (May 20 to 23): This brand-new event will be cooking up a storm at Clarke Field (93 Houlahan Drive). Hours are 11am to 9pm from Friday through Sunday, and 11am to 6pm on Monday.
• Kanata Ribfest (May 27 to 29): This one is happening at the Community Hub (373 Legget Drive) and is a fundraiser for Ottawa Mental Health.
• Ottawa Ribfest (June 1 to 5): The Sparks Street Mall will likely be packed end-to-end with carnivores for this popular event, which usually attracts ribbers from across North America.
• Longueuil Ribfest (June 3 to 5): A kids’ zone and lots of live music feature prominently at this festival in Greenfield Park (195 Empire Street).
• BBQFest Rickard’s (June 17 to 19): How far would you drive for ribs? If the answer is “up to five hours,” this Quebec City fest at Espace 400e (100 Quai Saint-André) might be just the ticket. Open 11am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
• 1000 Islands Family Ribfest, Gananoque (June 30 to July 3): This one is in a new location in 2022, at the Lou Jeffries Arena (600 King Street East).
• Optimist Club of Cornwall Ribfest (July 21 to 24): This four-day festival in Lamoureux Park (100 Water Street East) features lots of ribbers, a midway, a Ribfest Idol singing competition and lots of live music.
• Brockville Ribfest (August 4 to 7): Head to Hardy Park (across from 80 Water Street West) in this city on the St. Lawrence for a kids’ zone, live music, another Ribfest Idol competition, a beer tent and lots of food. It’s a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Montreal RibFest (August 12 to 14): This big event in Pierrefonds benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island and features world music.
• Kingston Ribfest and Craft Beer Show (September 9 to 11): This festival in Memorial Centre Park (303 York Street) features chicken and ribs, craft beer, live entertainment and a kids’ fun zone. Donations to the Partners in Mission Food Bank are appreciated.

Did I miss your favourite barbecue festival? Let me know about other ribfests in the comments!

Looking for more tips on things to see and do in Eastern Ontario, the Outaouais, northern New York state and beyond? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter or order a copy of my book, Ottawa Road Trips: Your Weekend Getaway Guide.

As the owner of Ottawa Road Trips, I acknowledge that I live on, work in and travel through the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be present on this land. Ottawa Road Trips supports Water First, a non-profit organization that helps address water challenges in Indigenous communities in Canada through education, training and meaningful collaboration.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save