The Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise has announced that the annual Whitby Ribfest will return to Victoria Fields from July 10 to July 12, 2026. This popular event, which draws over 50,000 visitors, will introduce a new split-format layout for the opening day.
On Friday, July 10, the festival will feature two distinct areas. A free public rib zone will be open from 12 PM to 11 PM, providing access to five ribbers without a ticket. Simultaneously, a separate, ticketed concert area will run from 5 PM to 11 PM, offering live music, food trucks, and one additional ribber. Guests can enter these areas through separate gates.
The full festival experience, including all ribbers, vendors, and family entertainment, will be available on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12. The event takes place at Victoria Fields, located south of the Iroquois Park Sports Complex at 203-269 Victoria St W. Admission to the site is free, though organizers welcome voluntary donations at the entrance to support the club’s charitable work.
Organized by over 125 volunteers, the festival has been a community fixture for 14 years. The Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise ensures that all proceeds are reinvested into the community to assist local charities, groups, and individuals. In 2024, the Ontario government provided a $20,000 grant through the Experience Ontario program to support the growth of the event.