Aurora's Ribfest
Dates - Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24, 2025
Location - Machell Park
Free Admission, No Tickets or Registration
It's all about the "Ribs, Bibs and Sauce"!
Note: Cash payments preferred. No A.T.M. on-site. Most vendors accept cash only. Limited vendors accepting debit on-site.
Note: For health and safety reasons, pets are not able to experience Aurora’s Ribfest. Service dogs excepted.
Aurora's Ribfest is presented by
Aurora's Ribfest - Flyer
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 23. 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 23 |
Friday, August 23
| Activity | Time |
|---|
| Aurora's Ribfest |
4 p.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Beer Garden |
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. |
|
| Hours of Operation & Daily Activities - Saturday, August 24 |
Saturday, August 24
| Activity | Time |
|---|
| 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 25 |
Sunday, August 25
| Activity | Time |
|---|
| 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. |
|
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 - Friday, August 23 |
Entertainment Schedule - Friday, August 23
| Time | Entertainment |
|---|
| 5:30 p.m. |
Desire – Tribute to U2
Desire brings to the stage a unique combination of showmanship and style that is rooted in a magnificent grasp of the musical intricacies behind U2. Desire is the total package.
|
| 9 p.m. |
SAGA
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to see SAGA live, performing hits such as “On the Loose” and “Wind Him Up”. They are renowned for their innovation and captivating live performances.
|
|
| Entertainment Schedule - Saturday, August 24 |
Entertainment Schedule - Saturday, August 24
| Time | Entertainment |
|---|
| 11 a.m. |
X & Y – Tribute to Coldplay
Coldplay are a passionate, heart-rending alternative pop group and is considered to be one of the biggest bands of the new millennium. X&Y brings the closest sonic and visual performance to the real experience going.
|
| 1:15 p.m. |
Jukebox Heroes – Tribute to Foreigner
An international tribute to Foreigner performs all the hits to get you out of your seat. Jukebox Heroes will share the music of this legendary rock band that produced 10 multi-platinum albums.
|
| 3:30 p.m. |
Sheer Heart Attack – Tribute to Queen
Celebrating the music of Britain's Royal Majesty, Sheer Heart Attack plays the music of Queen faithfully and will put on a show you’re sure to remember!
|
| 5:45 p.m. |
Monkey Wrench – Tribute to Foo Fighters
|
| 9 p.m. |
The Northern Pikes
This band has become a staple of Canadian Rock. Be sure to see them perform their hits such as “She Ain’t Pretty” and “Teenland”.
|
|
| Entertainment Schedule - Sunday, August 25 |
Entertainment Schedule - Sunday, August 25
| Time | Entertainment |
|---|
| 11:30 a.m. |
Professional Ribfest Judging
|
| 12:30 p.m. |
Aurora Teen Idol – Charlotte Clementine Kolas
|
| 1:30 p.m. |
Just Heart – Tribute to Heart
Just Heart will feature the fun-filled full-tilt Rock ‘n’ Roll songs that Heart is famous for. Just Heart has fans cheering for more with their authentic sound and harmonies
|
| 3:30 p.m. |
The Natural Women Show
This covers classic R&B with a focus on the musical icons. Don’t’ miss their show “Natural Women: The Music of Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan”.
|
| 5:30 p.m. |
Hard Soda
Hard Soda takes audiences through a musical journey performing favourite Classic Rock songs of the 70's, 80's, 90's and beyond.
|
|
Rib Teams & Food Vendors
See below for a list of the rib teams and food vendors that will be at the Ribfest.
| 2024 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
|
| 2024 Food Vendors |
|
In addition to the rib teams, these food vendors will also be serving up delicious food.
- Alabama Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
- Beavertails
- Billy Bobs Fries
- Bubble Tea & Me
- Churricos
- Mister Soft Treats
- Mr Kettle Corn
- Ontario Corn Roasters
- Slushy Bear
- Super Smash Juice
- Tiny Toms Donuts
|
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
|
Accessibility Accommodation
If you require any accommodations for accessing and viewing the parade, please email our Special Events team. Any information received relating to accommodations will be addressed confidentially. Please reach out in advance as there are limited spaces for accommodation.
The accessible accommodations that are in place for this event include:
- Increased Accessible Parking at Machell Parking Lot
- Mobi-Mats through the main area
- Accessible Picnic Benches
- Accessible Portable Toilet
More Information & Contact
For more information, please call 905-726-4762 or email our Special Events Team.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel, amend or change activities.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Entertainment Sponsor
Event Sponsor
Rental Sponsor
KidZone Sponsor
