Aurora's Ribfest

Dates - Friday, August 25 to Sunday, August 27, 2023
Location - Machell Park
It's all about the "Ribs, Bibs and Sauce"!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Cash payments preferred. No ATM on-site. Most vendors accept cash only. Limited vendors accepting debit on site.

Aurora's Ribfest is presented by

Desjardins company logo


Aurora's Ribfest Event

Mark your calendars because the tastiest event of the year will be taking place at Machell Park, as the rib teams get fired up starting on Friday, August 25. Not only will there be the tastiest ribs but also roasted yams, roasted corn on the cob, beavertails and many other dishes for every appetite.

Machell Park will be fenced with additional procedures for the safety of the attendees, performers, food vendors, volunteers and staff.

We also will have great live entertainment, an inflatable midway and activities for kids of all ages.


Hours of Operation & Admission Requirements

See below for hours of operation of Ribfest and daily activities. Please note for health and safety reasons, pets are not able to experience Aurora’s Ribfest, services dogs excepted.

Hours of Operation & Daily Activities - Friday, August 25
Friday, August 25
ActivityTime
Aurora's Ribfest 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Beer Garden 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

Hours of Operation & Daily Activities - Saturday, August 26
Saturday, August 26
ActivityTime
Aurora's Ribfest 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Inflatable Midway 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Children's Activity Zone 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Beer Garden 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

 

Hours of Operation & Daily Activities - Sunday, August 27
Sunday, August 27
ActivityTime
Aurora's Ribfest 11 am. to 8 p.m.
Inflatable Midway 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Children's Activity Zone 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Beer Garden 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Rib Teams & Food Vendors

See below for a list of the rib teams and food vendors that will be at the Ribfest.

Rib Teams 

Aurora's Ribfest includes these incredible professional rib teams.

  • Billy Bones - Fort Erie, Ontario
  • Camp 31 - Brewton, Alabama
  • Sticky Fingers - Castleberry, Alabama
  • Uncles Sam's BBQ - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Food Vendors

In addition to the rib teams, these food vendors will also be serving up delicious food.

  • Catharina’s Kitchen
  • Mister Soft Treats Ice Cream
  • Ontario Corn Roasters
  • And more to come!

Entertainment

Fantastic entertainment all weekend long! There is a jam-packed line-up with musical acts appearing on the entertainment stage. You will be entertained by some of the region's best musical performers. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes to dance the afternoon and evenings away to great performers.

Entertainment Schedule
The weekend live entertainment schedule will be posted soon - stay tuned!
Children's Activities

An inflatable midway will be set-up all weekend long to add some excitement for families and for children of all ages. Nominal fees do apply for the midway. In addition, there will be a Kids Activity Zone including crafts, face painting and more on August 26 and 27.

Kids Activity Zone
Saturday, August 26 - 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, August 27 - 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Professional Rib Teams Cook Off

Sunday, August 27 - 12 p.m.

The Professional Rib Teams Cook Off is hands down, lip smacking excitement. Local dignitaries will be judging the finest sauces and ribs from the professional ribbers which are all competing for trophies in this final stop on the provincial ribfest tour.

People's Choice Award

Don't forget to make your opinion count and cast your vote for the best ribs of the weekend! Ballots will be randomly handed out throughout the event, however you can download one and take it with you. Ballots can be placed in the voting box located under the Town of Aurora tent.


Directions

How to get to Aurora's Ribfest.

Locate Machell Park

Travelling from Toronto via Hwy 404 (Exit #375)

Travelling from Toronto via Hwy 404 (Exit #375)

  • Exit onto Wellington Street West (Exit #45)

  • Turn right and go North on Yonge Street

  • Turn left onto Aurora Heights Boulevard 

Travelling from Hwy 401 or Hwy 400 

Travelling from Hwy 401 (Exit #17) or Hwy 400

  • Exit at Lloydtown (Exit #52) and go East

  • Turn right onto Jane Street

  • Turn left onto 18th Sideroad

  • Turn right onto Yonge Street

  • Turn right onto Aurora Heights Boulevard 


More Information and Contact

For more information, please call the Special Events line at 905-726-4762 or email Shelley Ware.


Thank You to our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Desjardins Insurance company logo

Event Sponsor

Home Hardware Aurora logo

KidZone Sponsor

Aurora Family Martial Arts company logo