Ribest X is returning to Innisfil this weekend, but this time it’s at a new location with some new musical twists. The annual event featuring world-class barbecued ribs cooked by professional rib masters had been located at Sunset Speedway. But the closure of the Yonge Street racetrack forced organizers to find another place in town to put on the weekend-long show.
Managers at Tanger Outlets Cookstown offered their location at Highway 400 and County Road 89 to host the popular event.
“Our first choice was to return back to the Innisfil Recreation Complex (IRC). We were there for three years and it did really well. IRC is more connected to the town of Innisfil,” said organizer Rick Brooks, also known as ‘Ricky Ribs’.
Unfortunately, there was a conflict at the IRC so Brooks was pleased the Tanger location was available.
“We’re gonna turn that mall into a rockin’ fun time,” he said. “People can expect a really good show from us. People love the ribs, they love the festival. It brings people together. It’s something to do that’s fun in your town.”
The Ribfest X tour visits 10 Ontario locations this summer. The Innisfil edition is Friday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There’s plenty of food options beyond the ribs, as well as a kids zone and live music presented by three tribute bands covering AC/DC, The Tragically Hip and Bob Marley.
Brooks is especially pumped about two new musical components this year — a K-Pop group and a youth Battle of the Bands competition.
“The K-Pop trio is really popping for us,” he said. “They are very entertaining. The kids all line up to meet and greet them.”
The battling youth bands will see an eventual winner crowned at the end of the tour in October. The young musicians will receive a $2,500 cash prize and contract to join next year’s RibfestX tour.
“It’s amazing. I see them up on stage and I see the anxiety and the nerves but as soon as they start playing they are in their element,” Brooks said. “Wow. It gives you goosebumps to see the raw emotion come out of these young musicians.”
At the end of the weekend, six community leaders will do a blind taste test and decide which of the professional chefs produced the most flavourful ribs.
For a complete list of events visit our events page: 2026 Show Tour.
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Thank you InnisfilToday for this article.
