Updated for 2025

Hey foodies and adventurers! Brian here, one of my favourite foods is ribs. Sauced up and fall off the bone. I don't have them often but I almost always get some at one of Durham Region's Summer Ribfests. If you're a barbecue lover, you're in for a treat because Durham Region is heating up with its finger-licking, lip-smacking RibFest events now! 

Durham Region's RibFest Events feature a mix of tantalizing barbecue and craft beer vendors from across the region and beyond. In addition to ribs and BBQ, many offer a wide array of food options, a midway experience full of rides and carnival games, craft beer options, and even shuttle services to get to and from the grounds.

Grab your napkins, mark your calendars, and get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the region's finest rib festivals. Let's dive in!

📍 Pickering RibFest

• 📅 Dates: June 14–16, 2025

• 📍 Location: Esplanade Park, 1 The Esplanade, Pickering

• 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM daily

• 🎶 Highlights: Live performances from bands like The Spiral Theory and Kickstart Band.

• 🍗 Ribbers: Bone Daddy's, Sticky Fingers, Gator BBQ, Camp 31, Hawgs Gone Wild, Billy Bones, Silver Bullet

• 🎟️ Admission: Free

• 🌐 More Info: pickeringribfest.ca

📍 Whitby RibFest PLUS

• 📅 Dates: July 11–13, 2025

• 📍 Location: Victoria Fields, 345 Watson St W, Whitby

• 🎶 Highlights: Kick off the weekend with "A Concert for Our Community" featuring Big Wreck on Friday, July 11. This ticketed event includes live music, food trucks, vendors, and one ribber inside the concert area. Gates open at 5:00 PM, show starts at 6:00 PM .

• 🍗 Ribbers: Five ribbers available in the Public Rib Zone on Friday (no ticket required), with the full lineup on Saturday and Sunday.

• 🎟️ Admission: Friday concert: $49.99; Saturday & Sunday: Free

• 🌐 More Info: whitbyribfest.comshowpass.com+3whitbyribfest.com+3whitbyribfest.com+3whitbyribfest.com+1whitbyribfest.com+1instagram.com+2facebook.com+2whitbyribfest.com+2

📍 Clarington RibFest

• 📅 Status: Cancelled for 2025

• 📍 Location: Previously held at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, Bowmanville

• ℹ️ Note: The event is on hiatus due to venue issues but hopes to return in the future .

📍 Oshawa RibFest

• 📅 Dates: TBA

• 📍 Location: Lakeview Park, 55 Lakeview Park Ave, Oshawa

• ℹ️ Note: Details for 2025 are yet to be announced. Stay tuned for updates.

So there you have it, folks – a rundown of Durham Region's sizzling RibFest events! Whether you're a local foodie or just seeking delightful experiences, these festivals are a smokey and sweet BBQ journey you don't want to miss. Plan your visit, bring your family and your appetite, and get ready to feast on some of the best ribs around. Happy RibFest-ing!