Whether it’s rain or shine, the ribbers parked at St. Albert’s Century Casino are set to fire up the flames for the city’s largest barbecue from Aug. 8 to 10.
Thousands of residents are expected to make their way to the 6th annual RibFest, a three-day extravaganza where they’ll chow down on some of the tastiest BBQ ribs, chicken, pulled pork and brisket grilled by professional pitmasters.
Hosted by Rotary Club of St. Albert in partnership with Western Canada Rib Fest Tour, this three-day festival offers more than just juicy eats. Rotary volunteers are planning a beer garden, non-alcoholic beverages, a family fun zone and all-day entertainment.
Grill masters from three separate trucks are champing at the bit to showcase meat cooked with different spices, marinades and traditions that have evolved through time. This year’s lineup featuring fall-off-the-bone ribs includes Billy Bones BBQ Truck, Blazin’ Barbecue and Buckeye BBQ.
“Blazin’ BBQ has a western, smoky flavour. Billy Bones has more sweet and tangy flavours and Buckeye comes from the St. Louis tradition. It’s tangy with a kick. The way the meat is grilled is as specific as the wood that’s used,” said Kelsi McInnes, festival director for Western Canada RibFest Tour.
The ribbers’s circuit covers 18 cities and towns across western Canada. Although the RibFest grilling tradition hails from the United States, McInnes is quick to point out this event supports the Canadian local economy.
“These are all Canadian-owned trucks, and we buy all-Canadian meat,” McInnes said.
For additional entertainment, a Big Rib competition is held between the grill masters on Sunday at 3 p.m. A panel of city celebrity judges will taste the ribs anonymously and score points.
“The grill masters are always excited about this and I love how passionate they are. It’s about bragging rights,” McInnes said with a laugh.
The RibFest tradition is not only known for hot sizzling ribs and cold beer but also for great causes. Through this event, the Rotary Club raises funds for significant local and international projects.
On the local level, Rotary support AdaptAbilities, St. Albert Food Bank, Star Literacy, Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCARS), the Shalin Butterfly Effect Project, Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation and the St. Albert Rotary Music Festival.
On an international scale, Rotary contributes funds to Project Amigo, a charity that provides educational support for disadvantaged and marginalized children in Mexico. In addition, the club hosted St. Albert Fights Hunger, a project whereby volunteers, pre-packaged 70,000 meals for those in need.
“We’re managing the beer tent and we’re also having a 50/50 raffle,” said Craig Malin, Rotary's 2025 RibFest committee chair. “We’d like to make $30,000 this year. It’s achievable if we get good weather.”
RibFest takes place Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
RibFest entertainment
Friday, Aug. 8
2 p.m. DJ
3 p.m. DJ
4 p.m. Chantelle Marie
5 p.m. Dean Lonsdale
6 p.m. Lucwarm
7:30 p.m. Mourning Wood
9:30 p.m. DJ
Saturday, Aug. 9
2 p.m. DJ
3 p.m. Two Laine Highway
4 p.m. Keira Myer
5 p.m. Ava Nayana
6 p.m. Jaimi Rempel
7:30 p.m. Party Darts
9:30 p.m. DJ
Sunday, Aug. 10
12 p.m. DJ
1 p.m. Crystal Hanson
2 p.m. Kieran Johnston
3 p.m. Brian Doucette
4 p.m. DJ
5 p.m. DJ
6 p.m. DJ
