This year鈥檚 Comox Valley RibFest has been announced and returns to Village Park in Cumberland from Aug. 22 to 24.
This year鈥檚 festival will showcase 17 local bands on the Entertainment Stage, have 14 vendors in the brand new Artisans Alley and local food vendors (Churro Chica, Moss & Milk, Yummies & Gyros and Pretzel Guys) to round out the rib offerings.
The festival also sees an expanded Kids Zone with three free bouncy castles and a food truck serving kids meals.
The beverage garden showcases three local breweries this year, Cumberland Brewery, Land & Sea Brewery and Ace Brewery. The garden also features 40 Knots Winery and Merridale Cidery.
Recognized as the Valley's "Greenest Festival" by the Comox Valley Regional District, RibFest diverted two tonnes of waste from the landfill in 2024.
The event is organized by Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club and Rotary Club of Comox Valley, with entry by donation supporting local and international community projects. To volunteer, visit: .
The festival kicks off at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22. The Media Sauce Challenge happens at 1:00 p.m., where local media present their secret BBQ sauce recipes to be judged by five professional Canadian rib teams. Winners receive bragging rights and the coveted Media Sauce trophy.
The All-Canadian Rib Teams returning this year are Boss Hog, Smoke 鈥榙em Bones, Prairie Smoke & Spice, Grizzly BBQ and Gator BBQ.
Sunday's main event features the Ribbers Competition at 3:00 p.m., where local dignitaries judge the professional teams for Best Ribs, Greenest Ribber, and Best Ribber Sauce. The People's Choice award is decided by festival visitors using special voting tokens distributed at the gate, so don鈥檛 forget to vote!
The festival runs Friday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. There is free parking and bike check available.
