Every meat-eater’s favourite event of the year will be back again this September and organizers are saying this will be the smokiest, sauciest and tastiest Esquimalt Ribfest yet!
From Friday, September 11th to Sunday, September 13th, some of North America’s most celebrated rib savants will be slinging BBQ in Bullen Park.
For those familiar, this annual event isn’t just about the ribs, there will also be local food trucks, entertainment, local breweries and some boot-stomping live music to help everyone digest their food.
The Esquimalt Ribfest also helps benefit the community as a fundraiser that supports several local charities and community organizations.
Organizers say “every bite helps make a difference.”
In 2025, attendees contributed $93,000 through gate donations at the Bullen Park entrance, which was collected and distributed by the Esquimalt Firefighters Charitable Foundation.
Last year also saw the fundraiser lose roughly $2,000 due to a 3D-printed counterfeit beverage token scam. Despite the scam, local businesses and residents rallied in support to donate nearly $10,000 in relief funds to Esquimalt Ribfest.
This year, the event has also fallen victim to a scam. According to organizers, scammers have been sending emails en masse, inviting vendors to be part of Esquimalt Ribfest 2026.
Organizers urge recipients of this scam email to not respond and to not send them any money. They noted that this year’s vendors have been fully booked and there is no room for any more.
Most recently, the Esquimalt Ribfest announced their full music lineup for the three-day event. All-in, there will be 24 musical acts and entertainers throughout the weekend.
Many of these groups are local cover bands, who will be playing feel-good classics for attendees to enjoy and dance to.
This year, organizers hope to raise more and welcome more people to the event than ever before.
Get out and grab some ribs this September!
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