This year’s Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is not just for meat lovers

16th annual weekend fundraising food festival runs July 13 to 15 at Millennium Park

By kawarthaNOW -
Published
The 16th annual Kawartha Rotary Ribfest runs from July 13 to 15, 2018 at Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The 16th annual Kawartha Rotary Ribfest runs from July 13 to 15, 2018 at Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)

The 16th annual Kawartha Rotary Ribfest returns to Millennium Park in downtown Peterborough this weekend (July 13 to 15), featuring live music, beer, and — of course — lots of ribs.

But this year’s Ribfest is not just for meat lovers — along with the usual large selection of ribs, there’ll also be some non-meat and vegetarian options available from local restaurants.

Ribfest runs from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, July 13th and Saturday, July 14th, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 15th.

Live music runs every afternoon during the three-day fundraising festival. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
Live music runs every afternoon during the three-day fundraising festival. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)

Musicians headlining this year’s festival include The Weber Brothers on Friday night and Dean James on Saturday night.

The local restaurants participating in this year’s Ribfest are Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, The Nutty Chocolatier, The BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill ‘n Bar, Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine, Caribbean Sizzle, McThirsty’s Pint, La Hacienda, Silk Roots, and The Silver Bean Café.

Out-of-town food vendors located along so-called “Ribber’s Row” include Fat Boys, Boss Hogs BBQ, Jack the Ribber, Smokehouse Bandits, Ontario Corn Roasters, and Summer Fun Funnel Cake.

In addition to the wide selection of ribs sold at the festival by out-of-town and local ribbers, there will be some vegetarian options available from local restaurants. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
In addition to the wide selection of ribs sold at the festival by out-of-town and local ribbers, there will be some vegetarian options available from local restaurants. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)

While you’re enjoying your food and drink, free live music will be performed throughout the weekend. Here’s the line-up:

Friday, July 13

  • 11:45 am — Briannah Cotton
  • 1:30 pm — Jaymes Claton Band
  • 3:15 pm — Rick and Gailie
  • 5:00 pm — The Wanted
  • 6:45 pm — Jagged
  • 8:30 pm — The Weber Brothers

Saturday, July 14

  • 12:00 pm — Waters Edge Band
  • 3:15 pm — Gunslingers
  • 5:00 pm — Rye Street
  • 6:45 pm — Out on Bail
  • 8:30 pm — Dean James

Sunday, July 15

  • 12:00 pm — Tonya Bosch Band
  • 1:45 pm — House Brand
  • 3:30 pm — The Fog

Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is a fundraising festival supported by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. and proceeds will be invested back in the local community.

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