It’s almost that time of year again — the smell of smoked ribs will soon be drifting across Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park as Canada’s Largest Ribfest returns for its 29th year. Running from Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 1, 2025, Ribfest is more than just a food festival — it’s a local tradition, a charity fundraiser, and one of Ontario’s most anticipated summer events.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore, Ribfest has raised millions for community organizations since its start in 1996, making every bite of BBQ taste even better.
Ribfest 2025 Burlington Event Details
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Location: Spencer Smith Park, Burlington, Ontario
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Dates: Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025
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Hours:
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Friday–Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
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Monday (Labour Day): 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
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Admission: Free, with charitable donations encouraged
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Prohibited items: alcohol, tents, cooking gear, illegal weapons, oversized umbrellas, large hard chairs, and pets (service animals permitted).
Backpacks and bags are allowed (subject to search), so festival-goers can pack light — and yes, that includes cannabis (more on that below).
Vendors for Ribfest 2025 Burlington
Ribfest is known for bringing together some of the biggest names in barbecue from across North America, each ribber competing for the title of “best ribs” in Burlington. Expect racks of saucy, smoky ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and all the fixings.
Confirmed rib teams for 2025 include:
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Bibbs BBQ
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Billy Bones BBQ
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Bone Daddy’s BBQ
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Brickyard BBQ
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Camp 31 BBQ
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Fat Boys BBQ
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Gator BBQ
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Hawgs Gone Wild BBQ
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Memphis Blazin’ BBQ
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Mississippi Smokehouse
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Pistol Pete’s Smokehouse
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Silver Bullet BBQ
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Smokehouse Bandits
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Sticky Fingers
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Uncle Sam’s BBQ
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Big Texas BBQ
It’s the kind of event where you can spend the entire weekend taste-testing, voting on your favourites, and still not try them all.
Live Entertainment Lineup Ribfest 2025
Canada’s Largest Ribfest is as much about live music as it is about food. The 2025 schedule includes something for everyone:
Friday, August 29
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Kendra Gabrielle
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Hawthorne
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Rob Kirkham & Neon Rain
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Pulse X
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The Kings
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Neon Nostalgic
Saturday, August 30
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Adam Ostrosser Band
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The McFlys
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Stone the Radio
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Tom Barlow
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Freedom Train
Sunday, August 31
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Turbo Street Funk
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Chris Chambers
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Chris Caddell & Jesse O’Brien
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DarkHorse
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The Dirty Pioneers
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ABBA Revisited
Monday, September 1
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Corey Lueck & Smoke Wagon Blues
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Group Therapy & the OCD Horns
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The Killin’ Time Band
From nostalgic covers to blues, country, rock, and funk, the Ribfest stage keeps the energy going all weekend long.
Can You Bring Cannabis to Burlington's Ribfest?
This is a question we get a lot — and the answer is yes. Cannabis is legal to bring with you to Ribfest, as long as you consume it in designated smoking areas (anywhere in the park where tobacco smoking is allowed). You can also step outside Spencer Smith Park to smoke or vape, then re-enter — gates allow in-and-out access.
While alcohol is prohibited inside Ribfest, cannabis is welcome under Ontario law. That means you can enjoy a pre-roll before lining up for ribs, snack on an edible before a concert, or sip a cannabis beverage on your way down to the festival.
Cannabis and BBQ: A Perfect Pairing
There’s something about smoky ribs and cannabis that just works together. The bold, savoury flavours of BBQ — sweet sauces, charred edges, tender meat — are a natural complement to cannabis’ ability to heighten taste and aroma. A pre-roll or edible can make every bite of brisket or rib feel richer, juicier, and more satisfying. And after a long day of sampling different rib teams, cannabis is also a great way to relax, unwind, and keep the good vibes going as the live music carries on into the evening.
Giving Back to the Community
Ribfest is about more than ribs and music — it’s about giving back. Over the years, proceeds have supported dozens of local organizations, including:
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Joseph Brant Hospital
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The Carpenter Hospice
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Burlington Teen Tour Band
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Salvation Army
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Rotary Music Festival
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Partnership West Food Bank
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Scouts Canada
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Habitat for Humanity
Each rack of ribs sold helps raise money for charities and community programs right here in Burlington.
Pepe Cannabis: The Best Dispensary Near Burlington Ribfest
If you’re heading to Ribfest, Pepe Cannabis Store at 892 Brant Street is the closest stop for all your cannabis needs. We’re just a 7-minute drive from Spencer Smith Park, and easy to reach whether you’re driving, walking, or hopping off the Burlington GO Station.
At Pepe, you’ll find:
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Pre-rolls for the park (quick, convenient, no rolling required)
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Edibles and beverages for a discreet festival experience
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Premium flower and concentrates for after the show
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CBD and wellness products to balance the weekend out
With free parking, friendly staff, and online ordering, Pepe is Burlington’s top choice for cannabis — especially for Ribfest visitors who want to keep the good vibes rolling.
Why Pepe Fits Ribfest Vibes
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We’re local and independent, not a chain.
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We’re minutes from Spencer Smith Park.
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We’re all about flavour and variety, just like the rib teams.
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We’re here to help, whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to cannabis.
Canada’s Largest Ribfest: A True Burlington Tradition
Since 1996, Ribfest has grown into one of Canada’s most beloved food festivals, attracting up to 175,000 visitors in a single weekend. It’s a celebration of food, music, and community — and an event that helps fund vital programs across Burlington.
So mark your calendar: August 29 to September 1, 2025. Grab some ribs, catch some live music, and if you’re 19+, stop by Pepe Cannabis before or after the festival to stock up.
Pepe is proud to be part of Burlington’s community — and we’ll be here all Ribfest weekend.
Visit Pepe Cannabis Store near Ribfest:
📍 892 Brant Street, Burlington, ON
🕘 Open Daily 9AM–10PM | Free Parking | Online Ordering Available
FAQ: Canada’s Largest Ribfest Burlington 2025
When is Ribfest Burlington 2025?
Canada’s Largest Ribfest Burlington takes place Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 1, 2025 at Spencer Smith Park.
What time does Ribfest Burlington open and close?
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Friday to Sunday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
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Monday (Labour Day): 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Entrance gates at Ribfest Burlington close 30 minutes before the event ends each night.
How much does it cost to attend Ribfest Burlington 2025?
Admission to Ribfest Burlington is free. Donations are encouraged, with all proceeds supporting local charities through the Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore.
Can I bring cannabis to Ribfest Burlington?
Yes, you can bring cannabis into Ribfest Burlington. Consumption is permitted in any area of Spencer Smith Park where tobacco smoking is allowed under Ontario law.
Is alcohol permitted at Ribfest Burlington?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Ribfest Burlington. The event is strictly non-alcoholic, though plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages are available.
Can I smoke cannabis at Ribfest Burlington?
Yes. Cannabis can be consumed at Ribfest Burlington in designated smoking areas where tobacco use is also permitted. Many attendees also step outside the park to smoke and then re-enter.
What cannabis products are best for Ribfest Burlington?
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Pre-rolls: portable and convenient for quick sessions before lining up for ribs.
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Edibles: discreet, smoke-free, and long-lasting effects during a full day at Ribfest Burlington.
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Cannabis beverages: a refreshing, legal alternative to alcohol at Ribfest Burlington.
- Disposable vape pens: discreet, smoke-free and they smell and taste great
Where is the closest cannabis dispensary to Ribfest Burlington?
The nearest cannabis store to Ribfest Burlington is Pepe Cannabis Store at 892 Brant Street. It’s just a 7-minute drive from Spencer Smith Park or one stop on the GO Train.
Does Ribfest Burlington happen rain or shine?
Yes. Ribfest Burlington is a rain-or-shine event. Attendees are encouraged to bring foldable chairs and umbrellas (oversized tents or hard chairs are not permitted).
