Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show

Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show Returns for a Weekend of BBQ, Brews, Live Music, and Family Fun

If summer had an official flavour, it might just be slow-smoked ribs fresh off the grill. Add a cold Ontario craft beer, live music, a park full of friends and family, and you’ve got one of Kingston’s favourite summer traditions. The Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show is back for its 13th year, bringing three days of mouth-watering food, local beverages, live entertainment, and family fun to Memorial Centre Park.
Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or simply looking for a great way to spend the weekend, Ribfest offers something for everyone. It’s a celebration of great food, local businesses, and community, with an atmosphere that’s as welcoming as it is delicious.
At the heart of the festival are the award-winning ribbers, serving up some of the finest smoked ribs and barbecue chicken you’ll find anywhere. From tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs to smoky chicken coated in signature sauces, visitors can sample a variety of styles while deciding who deserves bragging rights as their personal favourite.
Beyond the barbecue, you’ll discover a tempting selection of food vendors offering everything from savoury sides and comfort food to sweet treats and vegetarian options, ensuring everyone in your group leaves satisfied.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show without an incredible lineup of Ontario craft breweries, cider producers, and cocktail vendors. From longtime favourites to exciting new breweries, festival-goers can sample an impressive variety of locally crafted beverages throughout the weekend. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available, making the event enjoyable for visitors of all ages. To participate in alcohol sampling, guests simply purchase a reusable souvenir cup and wristband, which can be used all weekend.

The festival also delivers an outstanding lineup of live local music, creating the perfect soundtrack for your weekend.

Live Entertainment
Friday
– Micah Garvin
– The Mudlocks
Saturday
– Jon Jones
– Squid Pistol
– The ToneKats
Sunday
– Nolan Hubbard
– Celtic Kitchen Party

Families will love the popular Kids Fun Zone, featuring inflatable attractions and activities produced by Grand River Inflatables. Children can bounce, climb, and play throughout the weekend, making Ribfest just as exciting for younger visitors as it is for adults.
One of the things that makes Kingston Ribfest special is its commitment to supporting Ontario and local businesses. From the breweries and food vendors to the entertainers and community partners, the festival proudly showcases the incredible talent and entrepreneurship found right here
in our province.

Whether you’re gathering with friends after work, bringing the family out for a full day of activities, or making it your weekend destination, Kingston Ribfest & Craft Beer Show continues to be one of the city’s signature summer events.
Come hungry, discover new local favourites, enjoy fantastic live music, and celebrate another unforgettable weekend at Memorial Centre Park.

Event Highlights
– Award-winning BBQ ribs and chicken
– Ontario craft breweries, cider, cocktails, and coolers
– Local food vendors
– Three days of live music
– Kids Fun Zone with inflatables
– Family-friendly atmosphere
– Supporting local and Ontario businesses

Life really doesn’t get much better than this.