The Ultimate Guide to Cornwall Ribfest 2019

Ribbers Row, Cornwall Ribfest

Ribfest’s award-winning and mouth-watering ribs are back from Thursday, July 25th to Sunday, July 28th for four full days of deliciousness and fun!

Our favourite ribbers will set up near the bandshell in Lamoureux Park while live entertainment echoes from the bandshell and kids laugh as they partake in the Free Kidz Zone. Without a doubt, people of all ages will brave All Canadian Entertainment Midway rides this year and brag about how the ribs they chose are better than everyone else’s.

All of this is possible thanks to the Optimist Club, who are the motivating force behind this year’s event. Last year, they raised close to $70,000 for local youth and it’s likely they’ll raise even more this year! This year’s Ribfest promises to be even more awesome! The entertainment line-up is fantastic, they have new vendors, a kids zone, a huge midway, a beer garden and of course ribs, chicken, pulled pork and a wide variety of food and non-food vendors.

Have questions about Ribfest? We’ve got you covered with our Ultimate Guide to Cornwall Ribfest! Read on and start building up your appetite!

What are the dates and times for Ribfest?

Ribfest runs from 11 am – 11 pm on Thursday, July 25th, Friday, July 26th and Saturday, July 27 and 11 am – 7 pm on Sunday, July 28th. The event is held in beautiful Lamoureux Park along the St. Lawrence River in Downtown Cornwall.

How much does it cost?

There is no event fee for Ribfest.

Where can I park?

There is ample free parking at the Cornwall Civic Complex or Cornwall Community Museum (three hour limit on weekdays) on Water Street, just steps from Lamoureux Park. There is also nearby on- and off-street parking available in Downtown Cornwall. Municipal parking is $1 per hour and it’s free on weekends and weekdays after 6 pm!

What’s new this year?

This year’s Ribfest will have a Backyard Competition Village. On Saturday, July 27th, 15 amateur smoker/barbecue enthusiasts will set up along the water behind the bandshell and compete for cash prizes and trophies while they show a panel of judges what they can do!

Are you familiar with the show Dragon’s Den? Krazy Dan’s Pickled Wieners will be here as a follow up to the show. There will be a hot pickled wieners contest. The event will be in front of the bandshell at 3 pm on Sunday, July 28th.

Also, the Vicious Varieties Car Club will be set up next to the RCAF Association Wing 424 building in Lamoureux Park on Sunday, July 28th from 10 am to 1 pm.

Which ‘ribbers’ will be there?

Perhaps the most important question of all…. Participating ribbers this year include Ribs Royale, Chop Shop, Texas Rangers, Mississippi Smoke House, Crabby’s and Smokehouse Bandits.

What kind of vendors will be there?

Some participating vendors include Mighty Cob (amazing corn on the cob), Beavertails, Twisted Taters, Blooming Onion, Mini Donuts, Funnel Cakes, etc. There will also be vendors selling bubbly bath bombs, clothing, hats, artisan vendors and more!

Will there be a midway?

All Canadian Entertainment will provide rides, games, and carnival fun! You can buy advance tickets for unlimited rides for one day for just $25 (compared to $30 at the event). Visit us at the Cornwall Tourism Visitor Information Centre at the Cornwall Community Museum to buy your advance tickets today! The office is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and cash is the sole method of payment.

Other places you can pick up advance midway tickets include:

● Floral Expressions
● Spinners Diner
● Little Caesars
● Maker Gift Shop
● The Seeker office
● Online: www.CornwallRibfest.com

Is Ribfest Idol happening again this year?

Yes! Head to the bandshell at 4:30 pm on Thursday, July 25th to see who will be crowned Ribfest Idol 2019. Ribfest Idol has changed to an open mic this year. The winner will sing O’ Canada during the Opening Ceremonies!

Who’s playing at Ribfest this year?

There’s a great lineup of music to suit all tastes! Here’s the rundown:

➔ Thursday July 25th
◆ 4:30 pm – Ribfest Idol
◆ 5:30 pm – Opening Ceremonies
◆ 6 pm – Bordertown Catz
◆ 7:30 pm – Symply Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
◆ 9:30 pm – Just Heart (Heart)

➔ Friday July 26th
◆ 2:30 pm – Mena Hardy
◆ 4 pm – The Everlongs (Foo Fighters)
◆ 5:30 pm – The Outlandos (The Police)
◆ 7:30 pm – Bad to the Bone (George Thorogood)
◆ 9:30 pm – Abbamania (ABBA)

➔ Saturday July 27th
◆ 12:30 pm – Cardiff Giant
◆ 2 pm – Bird King (Classic 70’s)
◆ 3:30 pm – Stacey’s Mom (Rock, Pop, R&B, Country)
◆ 5:30 pm – Lost Boyz (80’s)
◆ 7:30 pm – Parallel Universe (Red Hot Chilli Peppers)
◆ 9:30 pm – Epic Journey with Roy Nichol (Journey)

➔ Sunday July 28th
◆ 12 pm – Radio Nova
◆ 1:30 pm – The Hallions (Celtic Rock)
◆ 3:30 pm – Double Vision (Foreigner)
◆ 5:30 pm – Epic Eagles (Eagles)

Can I dock my boat at Marina 200?

Arrive to Ribfest in style and dock your boat at Marina 200, just steps from Lamoureux Park. Boaters who wish to dock can register at the Marina 200 office and pay for overnight dockage at a reduced rate of $1.50 per foot, plus tax.

“You have the option to leave after the event instead of staying overnight. Checkout time is 1 pm the following day,” said Marina Coordinator Tara Quesnel.

Please note – Marina 200 is full on Saturday night but there are still limited spaces available on the other Ribfest nights. To ensure availability, please call in advance, 613-932-8301.

Where can I stay in Cornwall?

Cornwall has an amazing array of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets – from cozy bed and breakfasts to full-service hotels. Check out our Accommodations page for more details on local accommodation options.

What else can I do while I’m visiting Cornwall for Ribfest?

From outdoor adventure to cool attractions, there’s tonnes to see and do in Cornwall! Rent some bicycles from Bicycle World and explore our amazing Waterfront Trail! You can also step back in time at the Historic SDG Jail and Cornwall Community Museum or get lost in an escape room at Rush Hour Escapes – they’re all just steps away from Lamoureux Park! For more information on things to see and do in Cornwall and area, check out our Explore page.

Is there anything else going on during Ribfest weekend?

There’s lots of other fun events going on in Cornwall during Ribfest, including Art Walk on Friday night, the Downtown Summer Celebration over the weekend and the Into The Haunting Public Ghost Hunt at the Port Theatre on Saturday night. Find out about these and other events by checking out our Events Calendar!

How can I stay up to date on Ribfest?

To get the latest news and updates on Ribfest, make sure to follow their Facebook page or check out their website, www.CornwallRibfest.com.

Enjoy the festival!!

Additional Information

Planning a visit to Cornwall? Cornwall Tourism can help. Email us at info@cornwalltourism.com to request a copy of our Visitor Guide or contact us at (613) 936-0842. You can also stop by our seasonal Visitor Information Centre inside the Cornwall Community Museum in Lamoureux Park. The Museum is located at 160 Water Street West, just steps away from the children’s splashpad and play structure. Free parking is available immediately north of the Museum along Water Street.

The seasonal Visitor Information Centre is open seven days a week (8:30 am to 4:30 pm) through the summer months.

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Article by Chelsea Jodoin
www.CornwallTourism.com