Northumberland RibFest ‘brings the community together’
Cobourg event from Aug.14 to 16 raises money for local projects
By reporter Natalie Hamilton
A weekend to savour both sticky ribs off the barbecue and live music starts this Friday, Aug. 14 in Cobourg’s waterfront park.
Cobourg Rotary Club and sponsors present Northumberland RibFest and Music Festival from Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 16 in Victoria Park. The event runs on Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
It features five award-winning “ribbers” who will be working their magic to serve up their own special ribs for attendees. The ribbers are Boss Hogg, Uncle Sam’s, Jack the Ribber, Camp 31, and Billy Bones. There will also be several food trucks, live music and refreshments, including beer, wine and spirits, throughout the entire weekend.
Hotel California, “the original Eagles tribute band,” performs on Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m.
Admission to Northumberland RibFest is free. Donations are welcome and the money supports a variety of local initiatives.
“All proceeds from this event are donated back to the community,” noted Lynda Kay, past president of the Cobourg Rotary Club and chair of the marketing committee for the event.
Northumberland RibFest is important because “it brings our club members together working on a project that will provide vital supports to the community,” she said.
“The best possible outcome (is) that we will have another record-breaking event. This is our 18th year bringing friends and family together for a good time and to support the community.”
New features for 2026 include a “KidZone,” and a special tribute on Saturday to the Tragically Hip.
Ten years ago, RibFest was held on the same weekend during which the Tragically Hip played its last concert in Kingston.
Money raised will support organizations and their projects and include Beyond the Blue Box, Habitat for Humanity, Air Cadets Squadron 598, Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club, local radio station 89.7 FM, Community Care Northumberland’s “adopt a grandparent program,” Friends of the Ganaraska Forest, and Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre.
Comments