4-6pm | Offbeats
6-8pm | Steel Horse Gypsies
8-10pm | Practically Hip
Northumberland Ribfest and Music Festival
Savour the Flavour of Summer at the Northumberland Ribfest and Musical Festival.
Smoky ribs. Cold drinks. Live music. Lakeside vibes. It all comes together in one unforgettable weekend at Victoria Park in Cobourg, where the Northumberland Ribfest & Music Festival returns for its 16th year of flavour, fun, and community spirit.
Every August, this community-favourite festival draws thousands of visitors from across the region and beyond to the shores of Lake Ontario for three mouthwatering days of BBQ bliss, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Foodies, music lovers, and those who are just looking to soak up the summer sun in one of Ontario's prettiest waterfront towns know that Ribfest is the go-to event of the season.
Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and settle in by the bandshell where there’s free live music every afternoon, featuring a lineup of local talent and crowd-pleasing favourites. Between sets, try some of the delicious BBQ, hydrate with a cold drink, or let the kids explore the activities onsite.
Best of all? Your good time supports a great cause. Ribfest is one of the Rotary Club of Cobourg’s key annual fundraisers, with proceeds helping fund vital community and global initiatives. Past contributions have supported organizations like Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, Ed’s House, the Cobourg Heritage Harbour, and international efforts such as clean water projects and polio eradication.
So mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and follow the scent of hickory smoke to Cobourg’s waterfront this August 15-17. Come hungry and leave satisfied!
Friday, August 15 • 12pm - 11pm
Saturday, August 16 • 11am - 11pm
Sunday, August 17 • 12pm - 6pm
Weekend Entertainment Line-up
There is music to entertain you every afternoon and evening! We will see you at the Bandshell at Victoria Park.
Ribs, Sauces, and Sizzling Flavours – Meet the Ribbers & Vendors
Get ready to feast! The heart of Ribfest is, of course, the award-winning ribbers who fire up their grills all weekend long to serve up fall-off-the-bone barbecue that’ll have you licking your fingers—and coming back for seconds.
These travelling pitmasters roll into Cobourg with their own secret sauces, signature rubs, and smoky bragging rights. Whether you crave sticky-sweet, bold and spicy, or tangy and smoky, there’s a rack with your name on it. Don’t forget the sides—think baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, and grilled corn on the cob, all crafted to complete your ultimate BBQ experience. As always, we'll be asking you to cast your votes for your favourite, which will be announced Sunday, August 17 at 1pm.
The food doesn’t stop at ribs. Ribfest also features a variety of other food vendors, so those who aren't in-it-for-the-BBQ will have something to enjoy as well. You’ll also find non-food vendors, and community partners offering goods, information and fun family activities.
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