Vanislander / Festivals and Events / Esquimalt Ribfest

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

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Esquimalt Ribfest 2025

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

Event Overview

What Makes Esquimalt Ribfest Unmissable

The Feast: Rib Vendors & Drink Lineup

Ribbers (from 2025 edition)

Drink Partners

Soundtrack to Your Appetite: Live Music Lineup

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

VIP Experience: Blue Buffalo Saloon

Tips for Visitors: Practical & Enjoyable

Plan Ahead

Fund a Cause

Bring the Whole Crew

Stick Around for Music

Go VIP if You Want Peace

Use Active Travel

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

Festivals & Events: Don't Miss Out!