Retro Ribfest 2026 – Richmond Hill, ON

Retro Ribfest 2026: Richmond Hill’s Throwback Weekend

Three free days of ribs, retro tunes, and family fun at Richmond Green Park

📍 Get Directions Full Schedule

Five competition BBQ teams, throwback hits all weekend, a rib eating contest, and the Party Tyme Fun Zone for kids — all free to get into at Richmond Green Park. Just bring cash, since several food vendors don’t take cards.

🍖 5 BBQ Ribbers 🎸 Live Retro Music 🎪 Party Tyme Fun Zone 🍺 Beer Garden

💡 Gates close to new entries about 15 minutes before each day’s posted end time, so don’t cut it too close if you’re heading over after work or dinner.

Why Go Schedule Ribbers Food & Drink Essentials Kids & Activities Getting There Tips FAQ

✨ Why This Festival Is Worth the Trip

Richmond Hill’s Ribfest has built a reputation as one of the better stops on the Ontario rib festival circuit, and 2026’s Retro Ribfest leans into a full throwback theme — nostalgia, classic hits, and the kind of laid-back summer weekend vibe that’s easy to spend a whole afternoon in.

Five award-winning competition BBQ teams set up shop for the weekend, including Billy Bones BBQ (over 250 sauce awards) and Bibbs Texas BBQ, the only ribber on the circuit serving baby back ribs alongside the usual side ribs, chicken, and pulled pork. Between bites, there’s a full lineup of live music leaning into retro and classic rock territory, plus the Rubicon Taste Test Contest and the always-messy Rib Eating Contest on Saturday.

It’s all set in Richmond Green Park, a large, well-equipped green space with a splash pad, walking trails, and plenty of room to spread out — easy to combine with a longer visit to the park if the weather’s good.

🎸 Live Entertainment Schedule

All performances are on the main stage and included with free admission. Entrance closes about 15 minutes before each day’s posted end time.

🍖 Meet the Ribbers

Five competition BBQ teams are on the circuit for Retro Ribfest, most accepting cash only — ATMs are located near the amusement area.

Bibbs Texas BBQ Billy Bones BBQ Camp 31 Hawgs Gone Wild BBQ Sticky Fingers

🍿 Food & Beverage

Beyond the ribs, expect classic festival concessions — corn on the cob, blooming onions, fresh lemonade, bubble tea, and more. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, including roasted corn and yams, fries, twisted potatoes, and soft serve.

Alabama’s Lemonade Billy Bobs Blooming Onion Churricos Festival Food Inc. Happy Twist Potatoes Mister Softee Mobile ICEE Mr. Kettle Corn Ontario Corn Roasters Sunny Hotdog Super Crunch Tanghulu Teamate Tiny Tom Donuts Tornado Fries Tropic Love Concessions

🍺 King Henry’s Arms Beer Garden serves craft beers and coolers from this long-time Richmond Hill establishment, available for purchase throughout the weekend.

📋 Essentials

🎪 Kids & Activities

There’s plenty to keep kids busy beyond the ribs and music.

Party Tyme Fun Zone: Inflatables and family attractions, with single-day passes, full-weekend passes, or $5 single-ride tickets available on-site.

Activity & Contest Hub (Agriculture Building 1): Friday 5–8 PM, Saturday & Sunday 12–5 PM. Field games, contests, and DIY crafts for kids and kids at heart.

Marketplace & Artist Exhibit: A small group of local artists and vendors selling their work on-site throughout the weekend.

🚗 Getting There & Parking

Richmond Green Park sits off Elgin Mills Road East, with on-site public parking signed throughout the venue and attendants directing traffic.

Biking: You’re encouraged to walk or bike — limited bike racks are available near the Sports Centre entrance.

Accessible parking: Available on-site in the Reserved Parking Lot. If you require accessible parking arrangements, email [email protected] by Wednesday, July 15.

💡 A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go

🐶 Leave pets at home. Only trained service animals are allowed inside the festival grounds — emotional support animals and pets aren’t permitted, though pets are welcome on the rest of Richmond Green Park.

💵 Cash is king at the rib stands. Several ribbers and vendors are cash only, and the nearest ATM is by the amusement area.

💧 Bring an empty or sealed water bottle. Unsealed bottles get emptied at entry, but you can refill at the Fill It Up Water Trailer once inside.

⏰ Watch the clock near closing. Entrance to the park closes about 15 minutes before each day’s posted end time.

❓ Common Questions