Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

WHEN IS RIBFEST OPEN?

June 26-28, 2026 (rain or shine)
Friday: 4 pm -11 pm / Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm / Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm. Please note: The midway closes at 4.30 pm on Sunday. The KidsZone is not open Friday, June 26.

WHO ARE THE ORGANIZERS OF THE OAKVILLE FAMILY RIBFEST?
The Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar Foundation Inc. and Lions Club of Oakville.
WHAT IS THE COST OF ADMISSION?

Admission is $7, kids 8 years and under are free. Ribfest is a charitable fundraiser run by the two clubs

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

This event is organized by Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar (RCOT) and Lions Club of Oakville, all non-profit organizations. All profits from our clubs’ fundraising activities, such as the Oakville Family Ribfest, go to support projects in the community and around the world. For a list of projects we support, please click here.

DO RIBBERS, BEER TENTS OR VENDORS ACCEPT CREDIT OR DEBIT CARDS?
You can buy beer, wine pop and water tickets with cash or debit/credit cards. The Ribbers and vendors will accept cash and may accept debit or credit cards. There are two ATM’s on site.
CAN I BRING MY DOG OR OTHER PET?
Pets are prohibited in the event area due to the large crowds and food preparation. Service animals are permitted.
CAN I BRING MY BICYCLE OR SKATEBOARD?
Yes. Althought bicycle and skateboards are not allowed inside the gates, there are unsupervised bike racks available by the the entrances.
IF IT'S HOT, IS THERE SHADE?
Large tents with tables and chairs are set up in the beer/wine sales area, and the marketplace is also under canvas, but most of the site is open ground with no trees. Bring hats and sunscreen.
CAN I BRING MY OWN DRINKS?
No. Alcoholic drinks and all open beverages will be confiscated at the gate
I’M DRIVING. WHERE ARE YOU?
Take the QEW to the Trafalgar Rd. exit and go north three blocks. From Hwy. 401, take the Trafalgar Rd. exit and go south. The location is about half-way between the QEW and Dundas St. (Hwy. 5), on the Sheridan College front parking lot on the west side of Trafalgar Rd. The street address, if using a GPS, is 1430 Trafalgar Rd., Oakville, ON L6H 2L1.
IS PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes. We have free parking on site (while available). Enter the on-site parking from Sheridan College Drive., immediately north of the Ribfest site. A shuttle will be available to take you from your car to the main Gate.
WHERE IS HANDICAP PARKING OR DROP-OFF?
Ribfest is on a paved parking lot, so is wheelchair friendly. Use the Ceremonial Drive entrance immediately south of the Ribfest site and follow the signs.
WHO SUPPLIES THE RIBS?
Sysco is the official supplier of pork ribs to our Rib Teams.

We are able to ensure that our customers receive consistent high-quality product and portion sizes.

WHAT OTHER KINDS OF FOODS ARE AVAILABLE?
Some rib teams offer beef ribs as well as the traditional pork ribs. Some also offer chicken (including Halal), grilled shrimp, salads, coleslaw, and baked beans. Other food vendors on site offer corn-on-the-cob, French fries, blooming onions, doughnuts, funnel cakes, Beaver Tails, popcorn, ice cream, candies and more.
ARE THERE VEGETARIAN FOODS AVAILABLE?
Vegetarian offerings include roasted corn and yams, baked beans, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, falafel, potato salad, coleslaw, potatoes, ice cream, popsicles, milkshakes and donuts.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF RIBS?
All food vendors set their own prices for a full rack with a lower price for smaller portions (half racks and one-third racks). All prices include taxes. Ribbers accept cash & cards!
ARE KIDS WELCOME?
Yes, this is a family-oriented event. Our free Kids’ PlayZone is a great place for you and your kids to have fun during the day. We have bouncy castles, face painting, and loads more to see and do. Also on site will be a reasonably priced Children’s Carnival with various rides. . All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please note that the music in the evenings will be targeted to adults.
ARE THERE VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES?
The success of this charity fundraising event is truly dependent on the efforts of the volunteers. There are hundreds of positions to be filled. Community Service credit is available for students. We would welcome your assistance. Meals are provided to volunteers (but they do not include ribs!). Volunteers should try to arrange to be dropped off and picked up at the site.
CAN I TAKE THE BUS?
Yes, Oakville Transit Routes 5, 5A, 6 or 24 will take you right across from the Ribfest site at the Sheridan College campus. Regular Oakville Transit fares apply. Routes 5/5A travel along Dundas Street West between Oakville GO station and Dundas/Highway 407 in Burlington. Route 6 travels along Upper Middle Road between Bronte GO station and Laird/Ridgeway (Dundas and Winston Churchill area) in Mississauga. Route 24 travels along Dundas Street East between Oakville GO station and South Common Centre (Erin Mills Parkway and Burnhamthorpe Road) in Mississauga. Visit oakvilletransit.ca for route maps, schedules and fares information.
I HEAR THERE’S GREAT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. WHAT BANDS ARE PLAYING, AND WHEN?
View the up-to-date band listings and schedule under the Schedule listing on our website.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO DO WHILE I’M AT RIBFEST?
Yes! We also have other activities such as the Kids Zone and the amusement area.

We also run a Marketplace area with vendors selling clothing, sports memorabilia, temporary tattoos, jewellery, cosmetics and loads more. Many community groups will have booths for you to wander through.

 

I’M INTERESTED IN HAVING A BOOTH TO SELL MY OWN PRODUCTS OR HANDICRAFTS. HOW CAN I BECOME A VENDOR?
On the home page you will find a link to an application form, which you can complete and submit.
IS THERE ACCOMMODATION NEARBY?
Hilton Garden Inn:

Rooms can be booked by calling the hotel directly at 905-829-1145 

Holiday Inn Oakville Centre

Reservations can be made by:

 

 

 

IS THERE CAMPING NEARBY?
Yes, at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, 1219 Burloak Dr., Oakville, ON L6M 4J7, tel. 905-827-6911, website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/bron.html
IS SMOKING ALLOWED?
No, the Sheridan College grounds are a non-smoking area, so no smoking or vaping.
WHAT BEVERAGES ARE AVAILABLE?

White and red wines, along with regular/light beers and non alcoholic beers/coolers from Labatt, plus pop and water are available.

 

HOW MUCH ARE THE TICKETS TO THE MIDWAY?
Regular ticket prices purchased on site:

4 coupons for  $8.85 + HST  = $ 10.00

16 coupons for  $35.40 +  HST  =  $ 40.00

26 coupons for  $53.10  +  HST  = $  60.00

Presale Tickets

26 coupons for $44.25 + HST = $50.00.  SAVE $10.00 per sheet

Toonie night special

 4 coupons for $8.00 +HST = $  9.00

16 coupons for $32.00 +HST = $36.00

You can pre-buy tickets online here: https://www.film.ca/movies/1000025093-presale-ribfest-midway-coupons/

 

Contact Us

Write us an email:

info@oakvillefamilyribfest.com

 

Volunteer

Ribfest truly apprciates

the support of our volunteers


			

				Volunteer