Esquimalt Ribfest 2025

Victoria’s #1 Festival for 2024 by Best of the City!

Something extraordinary is cooking on Vancouver Island this September. Imagine wandering through Bullen Park, the tantalizing aroma of smoky ribs swirling in the air, local bands filling the stage with power and rhythm—and the thrill of being part of something larger than just a festival. But what’s really brewing beneath the surface? Stick around, because Esquimalt Ribfest 2025 is poised to deliver more than you might expect…

Event Overview

Dates: September 5–7, 2025
Times:

Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Location: Bullen Field, also known as Bullen Park — 527 Fraser Street, Esquimalt, BC

What Makes Esquimalt Ribfest Unmissable

✅ Best Festival in Victoria 2024: Voted Victoria’s #1 Festival by Best of the City, Ribfest earned this honour thanks to its vibrant community atmosphere and irresistibly smoky charm.
✅ Mission-Driven Fun: This is more than just ribs—it’s a weekend-long celebration with a purpose. Proceeds support local causes, including Esquimalt’s high school community projects.

The Feast: Rib Vendors & Drink Lineup

Ribbers (from 2025 edition)

Pit Crew BBQ – racing-inspired flair from across Canada
Smoke Dem Bones BBQ – slow-smoked comfort food
Prairie Smoke & Spice BBQ – rich, authentic prairie BBQ
Gator BBQ – southern-style classics with decades of heritage
Grizzly Ribs – talented Vancouver Island team led by Chef Ollie
Boss Hog’s BBQ – seasoned pros delivering consistency and charm

Drink Partners

Local Craft Brews & Ciders: Driftwood Brewery, Lighthouse Brewing, Merridale Cidery, Category 12 Brewing, Hoyne Brewing, Howl Brewing
Wider Selection: Mark Anthony Wine, Peller Estates, and more

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Soundtrack to Your Appetite: Live Music Lineup

Here’s the daily lineup so you can plan whether you’re there for ribs, rhythm—or both:

Day	Time	Performer
Friday, Sept 5	11:30 a.m.	The Fabulous B-Sides
〃	12:45 p.m.	Vanilla Riot
〃	2:00 p.m.	The Tom Lang Band
〃	3:15 p.m.	The Gary Preston Band
〃	4:30 p.m.	The Tone Rangers
〃	5:45 p.m.	The Graham Francis Band
〃	7:00 p.m.	The James Vickers Band
〃	8:30 p.m.	The David Gogo Band
Saturday, Sept 6	11:30 a.m.	Thick as Thieves
〃	12:45 p.m.	The Helen Davies Band
〃	2:00 p.m.	Groove Kitchen
〃	3:15 p.m.	Rock Steady
〃	4:15 p.m.	Pipe Band & Rib Judging
〃	5:30 p.m.	Tight Hair
〃	6:45 p.m.	The Harvey Hann Band
〃	8:30 p.m.	Will Black
Sunday, Sept 7	11:15 a.m.	The Rita McDade Band
〃	12:30 p.m.	Skyla J
〃	1:45 p.m.	Daniel Cook & The Radiators
〃	3:00 p.m.	The Rain Shadow Al Band
〃	4:15 p.m.	Posh Coat
〃	5:30 p.m.	JaimesonRhy
〃	6:45 p.m.	St. Cecelia
〃	8:00 p.m.	The Groove Diggers

Day

Time

Performer

Friday, Sept 5

11:30 a.m.

The Fabulous B-Sides

〃

12:45 p.m.

Vanilla Riot

〃

2:00 p.m.

The Tom Lang Band

〃

3:15 p.m.

The Gary Preston Band

〃

4:30 p.m.

The Tone Rangers

〃

5:45 p.m.

The Graham Francis Band

〃

7:00 p.m.

The James Vickers Band

〃

8:30 p.m.

The David Gogo Band

Saturday, Sept 6

11:30 a.m.

Thick as Thieves

〃

12:45 p.m.

The Helen Davies Band

〃

2:00 p.m.

Groove Kitchen

〃

3:15 p.m.

Rock Steady

〃

4:15 p.m.

Pipe Band & Rib Judging

〃

5:30 p.m.

Tight Hair

〃

6:45 p.m.

The Harvey Hann Band

〃

8:30 p.m.

Will Black

Sunday, Sept 7

11:15 a.m.

The Rita McDade Band

〃

12:30 p.m.

Skyla J

〃

1:45 p.m.

Daniel Cook & The Radiators

〃

3:00 p.m.

The Rain Shadow Al Band

〃

4:15 p.m.

Posh Coat

〃

5:30 p.m.

JaimesonRhy

〃

6:45 p.m.

St. Cecelia

〃

8:00 p.m.

The Groove Diggers

VIP Experience: Blue Buffalo Saloon

Prefer a little luxury with your ribs? The Blue Buffalo Saloon VIP Experience offers:
✅ Exclusive tent with private seating near the stage
✅ No lines, more time for food, tunes, and views
✅ All-inclusive ribs, sides, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
✅ Support for Esquimalt’s charitable causes
✅ Family-friendly and flexible timing allowed — you can step out for a break or return anytime during your slot

Tip: Parking is limited. Biking, walking or catching the Ribfest shuttle (departing from nearby lots) is highly recommended.

More

Less

Tips for Visitors: Practical & Enjoyable

Plan Ahead

Especially Friday evening or peak weekend hours. Arrive early to snag great bites.

Fund a Cause

Your entry (by donation) and purchases help Esquimalt charities and school projects.

Bring the Whole Crew

There's something here for every age and appetite.

Stick Around for Music

The stage shines all weekend—don’t skip out after you’ve had your fill.

Go VIP if You Want Peace

Skip the line-ups, grab shade and settle in comfortably.

Use Active Travel

Parking is tight. Public transit or walking keeps your day smooth.

Why Esquimalt Ribfest 2025 Should Be on Your Must-Do List

It blends mouthwatering BBQ, local beverages, and live, diverse music, all wrapped in a charitable community experience.
Esquimalt Ribfest has been crowned Victoria’s #1 Festival for 2024 by Best of the City!—a recognition that speaks volumes about its atmosphere, quality, and community spirit.
With three full days of festivities, you can tailor your visit for full-on indulgence, family bonding, or a breezy afternoon of flavour and fun.

For the most up-to-date details, ticketing, and full event information, head over to esquimaltribfest.com.