On June 12, 13, and 14 of 2026 we are excited to be bringing back all of the same great fun, food, beer, music, and excitement that comes along with this great event.
When it comes to food, Bowmanville Rotary Rockin’ Ribfest is a culinary extravaganza that brings together top-notch professional Ribbers from both North and South of the border. These Ribbers don’t just serve food, they put on a show with their massive mobile cooking rigs and huge wood-fired BBQs, creating an experience that goes beyond just a meal. Year after year, there’s a fierce competition amongst the Ribbers for accolades such as Best Sauce, Best Ribs, Best Chicken, Best Pulled Pork, and the coveted Judge’s Favorite Trophy.But the food offerings at Ribfest don’t stop there. There’s a wide array of other delectable treats to try. From fresh cut fries to massive ‘Bloomin’ Onions’, crepes to gourmet coffee, and even craft root beer, our collection of food trucks and vendors offers something for everyone. We also have local stores joining us for the weekend, where you can indulge in a slice of pie, grab a jar of local honey, or savor some of the best soup in town. The food area at Ribfest is an eclectic mix of choices, and it’s heartwarming to see families gathered around the tables under the big top tent, enjoying a meal together.Ribfest is not just about food and drink, but also about celebrating the rich musical talent in our community. Over three consecutive days, we deliver live music performances that cover a variety of genres and feature local acts. From bluegrass in the morning to blues in the afternoon, and pure rock in the evening, there’s something for everyone’s musical taste.Ribfest has always been and will always be a family event. We also take pride in showcasing local athletes, with interactive sports displays from our hockey, football, soccer, and baseball teams. In short, Ribfest offers a festive atmosphere with great food and drink, musical entertainment, and fun activities for kids, making it the perfect event for those seeking a small town experience with a touch of urban sophistication.
frequently asked questions
Admission is $2 per person 14 and older.
Friday 12pm – 11pm
Saturday 12pm – 11pm
Sunday 12pm – 8pm
Friday and Saturday gates will close to entry at 10:00 PM. On Sunday gates will close at 7:00PM
Bowmanville Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Clarington. Every year, people from throughout southern Ontario and beyond flock to Bowmanville for three days of fun and great tasting ribs.
Ribfest is a licensed event and alcohol can be purchased during the event. Ribfest is also a family event, and we encourage everyone to enjoy themselves, be responsible with your alcohol consumption, and don’t drink and drive.
Absolutely YES!
Ribfest is a Family Friendly event. We have entertainment for every age group. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. However, note that the music in the evening will be targeted to adults.
No pets may enter the event.
Service animals, on the other hand, are not only permitted, they are welcomed.
No parking on site – parking available at Watson Farms.
Bus Shuttle stops thorough out town. Shuttle Route will be posted shortly.
No. Bowmanville Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest is a “cash only” event. However, there are ATM’s on-site for your convenience.
Some rib teams have beef ribs as well as pork ribs. Ribbers and other food vendors offer chicken, salads, coleslaw, baked beans, pizza, french fries, doughnuts, ice cream, roast corn, sweets & treats and more.
Yes. Some vendors offer salads, bloomin’ onions and corn-on-the-corn. Gluten free sauces available – ask the Ribber.
The short answer is no.
The Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking on publicly owned sports fields, playgrounds as well as outdoor patios of eating establishments (amongst other places). Our event is held on the grounds of a sporting field /playground. As such, smoking will only be permitted in specially designated areas.
The success of the event is dependent on the efforts of the volunteers. There are hundreds of positions to be filled. Community Service credit is available. Please visit the Volunteer section by clicking here.
Ribfest is organized by the Bowmanville Rotary Club. 100% of all money raised goes to support important local and international causes while holding a fun and safe event for all ages. 90% of the money raised goes directly to local causes such as respite care for families with special needs. The remaining 10% goes toward causes such as the eradication of Polio and providing clean drinking water to villages in underserved nations. To learn more about Bowmanville Rotary and Rotary International, go to http://www.bowmanvillerotaryclub.org/
Hope to see you there!
Next Saturday June 27th. Fun for the entire family. ... See MoreSee Less
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✨A big THANK YOU to our volunteers! 🙏
As the tents come down and we catch our breath, we want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to the incredible volunteers who made this weekend possible.
From our student volunteers, community partners, Friends of Rotary, members from other Rotary clubs, and our own dedicated Rotarians — your time, energy, and enthusiasm helped create another unforgettable weekend for our community. Your support was invaluable, especially during yesterday's less-than-ideal weather conditions. Rain or shine, you were there helping us get the job done, and we couldn't be more grateful.
A very special shoutout goes to the volunteers from St. Mary's Cement, who showed up in a big way all weekend long. Every day of this weekend (including the day before set up and the day after for take down) you guys were there with a friendly smile, always willing to help. We couldn't have done it without your team of volunteers, so thank you so so much.
To our sponsors, vendors, entertainers, volunteers, and everyone who came out to support us — thank you for making Ribfest such a tremendous success.
Bowmanville, you showed up once again, and we're proud to call #bowmanvilleribfest.#ThankYouVolunteersb#RotaryInActiono#ServiceAboveSelfnAction #ServiceAboveSelf ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you for coming back
🎉 That's a wrap on Ribfest 2026! 🎉
What an incredible weekend of great food, great music, and an amazing community coming together.
To everyone who came out to support us—thank you, Bowmanville! Your enthusiasm and generosity are what make Ribfest such a special event year after year.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for their continued support, our incredible ribbers, vendors, entertainers, and especially our volunteers who dedicated countless hours before, during, and after the event to make it all happen.
Every ticket purchased, every meal enjoyed, and every hour volunteered helpsThe Rotary Club of Bowmanvilleville continue supporting important projects and organizations throughout our community.
From all of us at Rotary, thank you for making Ribfest 2026 one to remember. See you next year! ❤#bowmanvilleribfestb#rotaryclubofbowmanvillev#thankyoubowmanvillev#ServiceAboveSelfe#seeyounextyeartyear ... See MoreSee Less
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Great job crew! Hopefully to can catch some well deserved R&R!
With Friday and Saturday beautiful days, and despite the rain today, the turnout was truly remarkable. Volunteering at the entrance table over the past two days, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible spirit of our community, with people arriving continuously to lend their support. It was a tremendous event with a tremendous outcome, raising important funds for local initiatives. Moments like these show what we can achieve when we come together — neighbours helping neighbours and building an even stronger Bowmanville.
What an incredible group of dedicated Bowmanville Rotarians ( I know some are missing from this pic)! Thank you for all of your hard work, countless hours, and commitment to bringing Bowmanville Ribfest back to our community. Your efforts in organizing every detail helped create a fantastic weekend filled with great food, entertainment, and community spirit. We are grateful for everything you do to make events like this possible and for the positive impact you continue to have on our community. 👏❤️
We loved every minute of it!! Thank you so much for a fantastic event!
Well Done! A well organized event put on by a great team of Rotarians. Was a privilege to have been involved. Cheers!
Awesomesauce
Great work team! Grateful to be part of it.
What a great team? This wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for all of you!! What a great community we live in.
Great pic! Way to go team 💗🙌🏼💙
Incredible job folks!!!!
Thank you All! See you next year. 💖
Thank you so much for having us!
Thank you, you all did an amazing job, had a wonderful time👍👍👍👍
Was the best event we’ve ever taken part in. The rainy Sunday aside, it was close to perfect. Thank you to you, and the many who visited our kids booth. LITTLE THINGS SHOP
We had a great time. Thank you 🙏
Thank you! Such an awesome event 👏🏼
Great job volunteers and the music was great!!!
Please post your photo of Julie with our puppy, Tribble.
Thank you really enjoyed it
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