FAQ's
What does it cost?
There is no entrance fee, so you can come down and enjoy the atmosphere and the music at no cost. There will be fees to enjoy the ribs, beverages and various other food and goods from the vendors. Please bring cash as no one will be accepting credit or debit cards.
Where can I park?
There will be parking available at the Community Center parking lot - please follow the signs!
There will be limited parking in the Arena parking lot and street parking. Drivers must obey all parking signs and observe Residents Only parking notices.
What happens if it rains?
The line-ups for ribs may be shorter?
Seriously, though, if it rains, bring your umbrella and wear your rain gear - this event happens rain or shine!
Will there be Gluten Free Food?
Unfortunately we haven't been able to confirm if gluten-free options will be labelled, but it seems likely that some of the BBQ meat from the Ribbers will be gluten free. At the event you can ask each Ribber for confirmation.
Will there be designated smoking areas?
There will be receptacles for cigarette butts outside the main entrance. There is no smoking in the beer garden, but there will be in and out priviledges so you can smoke outside the venue and return to the beer garden.
Can I bring my dog?
No animals are allowed, except for guide dogs and service dogs.
What is Ribfest?
The first things you notice at a Ribfest are the line-ups. There are lines everywhere, lines for French Fries, beer, ice cream. But the biggest line-ups come from the guys running the industrial-sized smokers churning out some of the tastiest food you might ever have the chance to eat.
Ribfests have become a very trendy thing to do lately. There seems to be one every weekend during the summer, and Southern Ontario seems to be reaping all the benefits. For those new to the scene, who have never heard of a Ribfest, it’s basically this: you go to the park, wait in line, drink some beer, and get your hands on some great food. There is music and sometimes rides, but you are mainly there for the food.
Esquimalt Ribfest will have several "ribbers" to choose from, as well as local brew and some ciders. Don't worry, there is non-alocholic beverages as well as a variety of other vendors. Our ribfest will feature local blues musical artist, with live music playing pretty much the entire time. The beer and cider will be served in a beer garden, for adults only.