Admission is free. Parking is free and so is the live entertainment. Your voluntary donations are welcomed and needed to help sustain this fund-raising event. Donations can be made either as you enter each of the two (2) major parking lots or on the Ribfest site at designated locations.
There is parking for approximately 500 vehicles throughout Riverside Park. A shuttle service will run inside Riverside Park between the Ribfest site and the Optimist Ball Diamond; the three (3) soccer fields; and the Kinsmen Canada driveway. Parking is also available at various City of Cambridge parking lots in Preston. The City of Cambridge has agreed to suspend enforcement of the 2 hour parking restrictions in these parking lots during Ribfest only, with the exception of Friday, August 11th when parking restrictions in these lots will not be enforced after 6:00 pm. All other parking restrictions (e.g. Overnight Parking, etc.) will be enforced.
Accessible parking is available in Riverside Park at the south end of the Ribfest site. Please follow signage to these areas.
A shuttle service will run between all designated parking lots inside of Riverside Park and the Ribfest site. The service will run on a 30-minute schedule. Passengers will be picked up at the designated parking locations at the Optimist Ball Diamond and at the soccer field parking lots and dropped off near the south (secondary) entrance to Ribfest.
Bicycle policy?
Bicycles are not allowed within the event. Grand River Cycle will be providing Valet Bike Parking services at the south entrance (near accessible parking) to Ribfest.
How do pedestrians access the Ribfest Site?
Pedestrians can access the Ribfest site either through the main entrance to Riverside Park on King Street or by using the pedestrian walkway from the parking lot at the end of Russ Street.
Do ribbers, vendors or beer / liquor vendors accept Credit Cards or Debit?
No, it’s cash only for them. ATMs are on-site.
Can I reserve seating for my company picnic, reunion or group outing?
Yes! We can provide reserved seating for groups of 20 or more if you contact us a minimum of 5 days before the event at info@cambridgeribfest.com. Please ask for a read receipt to ensure your request is recorded and provide us with your contact information and details. For smaller groups it is easy to find seating together. Large group reservations are held for 10 minutes past the booked time only, then released.
Can I bring my dog or other pets?
No. There is a city regulation prohibiting pets in the event area during special events due to the large crowds.
Service animals are permitted.
Is the event fully licensed for alcohol?
Yes. We have 2 beer tents with the main beer tent having seating, or feel free to take your beverage to your table to enjoy with your meal. No outside alcohol is permitted. You can purchase your drink tickets at the beer tents.
Who supplies the ribs?
The ribbers each use their own suppliers.
What other foods are available?
Some ribber teams have beef ribs as well as pork ribs. Ribbers and/or other food vendors will also offer beef brisket, chicken, pulled pork, sausage, blooming onions, french fries, poutine, corn-on-the-cob, roasted yams, mac & cheese, macaroni salad, coleslaw, baked beans, corn bread, mini & large doughnuts, funnel cake, ice cream, sweets and more.
What is the price of ribs?
All food vendors set their own prices. All prices include taxes. Ribbers take cash only, no cards.
Are there gluten free or vegetarian food options?
Silver Bullet offers a gluten free sauce for their BBQ products. Many more offerings are available from the various food vendors including salad, roasted yams and corn-on-the-cob.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, this is a family-oriented event. Our free KidZone is a great place for you and your kids to have fun during the day. We have bouncy castles, clowns, character appearances, face painters, and much more. A parent or guardian must accompany all children. However, note the music in the evenings is targeted to adults.
Are there volunteering opportunities?
Yes! Our success is dependent on the efforts of the volunteers. There are over 300 positions to be filled. Community Service credit is available. Please visit the Volunteer section by clicking here.
Where does the money go?
This event will raise much-needed funds for the many local and international charities, projects and humanitarian causes our Rotary Clubs support.
What bands are playing, and when?
You can view the band listings and schedule under the Entertainment tab on our website. For the most up to date information follow us on Facebook.
What else is there to do at Ribfest?
Lots! We have a Marketplace with vendors selling clothing, sports memorabilia, temporary tattoos, jewelry, cosmetics and loads more. Several community groups will have booths for you to wander through. We also have a classic car show as well as great amusements for children in KidZone.
Where can I get info and apply for a booth to sell my products, services or art works?
Click here for the Vendor Application Form.
Can I smoke at Ribfest?
Due to the Smoke Free Ontario Act, the entire Ribfest site is smoke free. You are more than welcome to step outside the fenced in area to smoke.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Rain or shine the event will go on!
Ribfest is a fundraising initiative by:
