Markham Ribfest and Music Festival

One of many Ribfests around the GTA. This one’s at the Markham Civic Centre and occurs once a year. This review will only reflect when I go — that is, early in the morning.
In case you haven’t been to one, Ribfest is a bit of a festival in which companies who sell ribs, set up a stand and sell them to you! It’s pretty simple. There’s usually some other stands including ones for lemonade, drinks, corn on the cob and desserts (including beaver tail). I love starting off with a corn cob before going to ribs. I usually go with my family so we split up and get someone to buy a set of ribs at each stand. If memory serves, they’re usually around $ 22 for a full rack of ribs at any given stand (there’s no admission fee).
The ribs themselves are always awesome and it’s fun to taste some from every stand. They always have varying degrees of tastiness in the sauce and the meat itself. Lines tend to be long once lunch time hits so I’d recommend going as early as possible to avoid long lines and if you want a close parking spot (the surrounding business let you use their parking lots, which is really nice). If memory serves, Kansas City tend to have the best ribs. I think I’ve gone to the Rib Fest for four years in a row now and this passed year, they had a smaller turnout. They used to have 6 or 7 stands but they only had 4 this year. Hopefully that downward trend doesn’t keep going. That being said, the low turnout could be because of the terrible weather we had so who knows.
The event in general is pretty well run. I can’t speak for the afternoon or night, but the grounds are always pretty clean and there’s usually volunteers hovering around the tables asking if you’d like more napkins (which is necessary sometimes). There’s also plenty of tables set up around the area but since I’m never there at the busiest of times, I’m not sure how full it gets. If the weather calls for rain, be warned that there’s only so many tents so you may be stuck taking the ribs home or eating in the rain. Obviously this event is best enjoyed in the sun!
All in all, I can’t really complain about the event. If you like pork ribs, I’d recommend going, for sure. Take some friends and/​or family too! In order to avoid long lines, I’d recommend going as early as possible.

My family consisted of two adults and two seniors. My husband and I wanted to treat my mom and dad because they always love ribs, but being on fixed income rib fest is not something they could afford.
We went to the front gate, and that’s when the nightmare began.
Now, it was on their website that «all backpacks, bags, and purses will be inspected at that the gates.» So we accepted that. When they found a bottle of water in my husband’s backpack (being prone to heat strokes my husband always carry a bottle of water with him just in case), the gateleeper became incredibly rube. Even after my husband went back to his car and put the water away, the gatekeeper insisted on harassing him throughout the rest of our stay there. We got our bags checked again (and again, and again), got insults thrown at us, and even followed during our time there. Needless to say, it made my elderly parents very uncomfortable, and ruined what should’ve been a wonderful day of giving my parents a rare treat.
The gatekeeper didn’t have to be rude, didn’t have to target us. I got the feeling he did it to feel important. And he wasn’t the only one. His colleagues were egging him on. I’ll never go to that ribfest again, and I appeal to the organizers to be aware of whom they are employing.

Nicely organized event.
Plenty of people hired to make sure there are clean tables and lots of parking.
The lineups were super long at around 7:30pm on a Saturday night. Decided to lineup at Gator BBQ. Even with two lines it took about 45 minutes at least to finally place an order. Opted for the 1lb pulled pork for $ 12 and make my own pulled pork sandwich at home. Much better value than a $ 8 – 9 pulled pork sandwich you buy there. With the 1lb pulled pork I can make about 6 sandwiches. Did that make me sound cheap or what, but I’m Asian so its okay :) (5 stars for the pulled pork, you just can’t go wrong with pulled pork)
Also got some Beaver bites with ice-​cream which I really don’t recommend. Much rather the standard Beaver Tails for about the same price.
Also tried the corn dipped in butter. I thought for $ 4 it would be the best corn ever but sadly it fell way below expectations. My corn was a bit old and I have definitely had sweeter corn from the local grocery store.
Also tried the blooming onion for $ 10. Super oily and totally not worth it. Had to throw away half the onion. If I had eaten the whole thing I think I would have lost a couple years off my life. It looks cool but only recommend trying once if sharing with a large group.
Just a note: you will smell like smoked meat by the time you leave.

This is a smaller version of the Toronto ribfest. Only one stage rather than three and not as many rib stations. It’s also situated on cement rather than grass. Other than that it is an enjoyable festival, interesting bands, even some Chinese performances.

I have live in Markham for years! This is the first time I ever been to their Annual Ribfest!
Parking is plentiful! Free and less than 5 minute walk from the actual event site. Thanks for the surrounding office buildings open up their lots for event parking.
Free admission. extra money for food and drinks?
At the Main BBQ area there are 6 different food vendors smoking and flaming their ribs, chicken, pulled pork… Meat lovers heaven!
There are also Beaver tails, Funnel Cakes, Corns and all the regular festivities food trucks. I am surprised to see even a stinky tofu stall too!
Beers are limited to Mill Street: Organic and Stock Ale. or maybe you prefer a cooler?
Non stop entertainment at the bandstand while people enjoying their food and a nice July weekend!
Tips:
— come early… or in between meals? The lines get long at around 7:30
— Not all BBQ places are the same! Follow the crowd or go and smell the meat or see the open flames… (My friend ended up picked from one of the vendors that gave her cold, dried and chewy ribs!)
Why are my friends eyeing my ribs with hungry looking eyes!!!