Blog – Ribfest

Ribfest Sponsor Shout-Out & A Taste of Village Brewery’s Taproom Delights

As the aroma of smoky BBQ and succulent ribs fills the air, we eagerly await the return of Rotary Ribfest YYC. In ONE month, the sights, sounds and tastes of Ribfest will be back at McMahon Stadium for a rockin’ Fall event!

Highlighting our Sponsors

The heart and soul of Rotary Ribfest lie in the generous sponsors who have wholeheartedly come aboard to support this community event. A few of our newest additions to the Sponsorship line-up are; Lexus of Calgary, Battle River Energy, Curve Distribution, Vision Sports Centre, Decathlon and Royop.

For a full list of our sponsors, please take a peek at our latest Instagram post or stay up-to-date on our website.

It is with immense appreciation that the Rotary Club of Calgary extend their heartfelt thanks to all of these sponsors who have helped to bring this event to life!

Village Brewery: A Loyal Sponsor of Ribfest

As a major sponsor of the event for several years, Village Brewery has played an integral role in making Ribfest a true celebration of community and, of course, beer. This year, visitors to Ribfest can look forward to another year of cold beer and cider on-site at the Village Brewery tent.

Village Brewery Has Something New!

Calling all craft beer enthusiasts! Village Brewery has recently opened their newly renovated taproom. Located in the heart of Calgary, this exciting addition to the city’s craft beer scene promises an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors and promises a complete “beer experience”. With a selection of 16 unique and flavorful tap-beers, the new taproom also boasts an extended space to gather, delicious menu and elegant long-table for any formal dinners! Beer lovers can also get a behind-the-scenes look at the production facility and process and enjoy fresh, handcrafted beers straight from the source.

Village Brewery has long been a favorite and household name among beer connoisseurs and Calgarians – a big congrats on the updated space and we can’t wait to see you at Ribfest!

A Little History on the Venue

McMahon Stadium, an iconic landmark in Calgary! Originally built in 1960, in an unprecedented 103 days, the stadium has since witnessed countless thrilling sporting events and unforgettable moments. Home to the Calgary Stampeders (Canadian Football League (CFL)), McMahon Stadium has welcomed fans from far and wide. With seating totalling 35,650, the stadium is the fifth-largest stadium in Canada. It was expanded in several stages from its original 22,000-seat capacity in 1960 to 38,205 in 1988.

Beyond its athletic endeavors, McMahon Stadium also plays host to a wide variety of events that bring together families and friends. One such highlight on its calendar is our much-anticipated Rotary Ribfest YYC. Celebrating the finest in barbecue and mouthwatering ribs, Ribfest will transform the stadium grounds into a food, music and FUN paradise.

What makes this event even more fabulous, is that entry and parking are FREE and if you take the LRT, you can stroll across the pedestrian bridge and not even worry about bringing your vehicle.

Whether you’re a barbecue connoisseur or simply looking for a fun-filled day out, Rotary Ribfest YYC promises an experience that caters to all tastes. As the savory aroma of grilled goodness and the sound of live entertainment fills the stadium, McMahon Stadium will be transformed into a captivating hub of flavors and excitement that promises lasting memories for attendees of all ages.

See you next month friends! Stay current with all of the Ribfest news on our website or social pages.

Yours in Rotary.

Get READY Calgary!

With just over one month away, Rotary Ribfest YYC is gearing up to be one of the most mouthwatering and exciting events! Are you a food enthusiast with a love for amazing BBQ? Do you like getting out to dance and support local artists? Then this is an event you simply cannot miss. Mark your calendars and bring your appetite Calgary!

The Calgary Stampede

Did you all have a chance to hit up the Calgary Stampede this year and sample all of the good food and snacks? I know a few of our YYC Food Truck vendors were there! With record-breaking attendance this year it made it the second-largest Calgary Stampede in history!

Spotlight on NEW Sponsors

Our list of sponsors is a lot longer – thank you all so much! Seeing the community come together for Rotary Ribfest YYC is truly inspiring, your dedication to making a positive impact on our community is also deeply appreciated and we look forward to creating cherished memories at this year’s event.

Our newest Half-Rack sponsor is Sun Spa! Based out of Calgary, this company provides the best deals on hot tubs and hot pools. If you’re looking to create a backyard oasis, Sun Spa is where you start! Visit their showroom in Calgary.

A few Giddy-Up Sponsors have also joined! MacKenzie Investments, a firm that delivers its investment offerings through a multi-boutique structure, with independent in-house investment teams, and Natural Calm, a company founded in 2005 by a husband and wife that wanted to bring health supplements to Canada.

A warm welcome to all of our new sponsors!

Musical Line-Up

Get ready to boogie all day and into the night! Here is our updated schedule for the local artists you’ll be supporting at Ribfest this year! They are all playing on the Remax Stage.

Friday, September 8

Lori Kole is our Friday opener; 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Jeff Catto headlining on night one: 7:30 – 9:30 PM

Saturday, September 9

Flaysher kicks off the Saturday show: 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Scott Pettigrew performs in the afternoon: 4:00 – 6:30 PM

The Steve McQueen Band is our Saturday headline act: 7:30 – 9:30 PM

Sunday, September 10

The Calverts on the stage: 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Randi Boulton headlines Sunday, and closes out our event: 4:30 – 6:30 PM

See you on the dance floor!

We can’t wait for Rotary Ribfest YYC to hit McMahon Stadium. Remember, it’s FREE to get in and FREE to park (or ride the LRT and walk across the pedestrian bridge). If you have any questions, please contact Rob at robwolfrotary@shaw.ca.

The Countdown is ON for Rib-Goodness and FUN!

The countdown to Ribfest is on! With just over 14 weeks away, get ready for a sizzling experience like no other. Anticipation is building for the ultimate celebration of all things ribs, music and FUN! Here’s a look at what’s new for the festival!

Vendor Mania

Supporting local is one thing the Rotary Clubs take a great deal of pride in. The Artisan Alley at Ribfest is a wonderful addition to the festival and a chance for local artisans to showcase their products or services. Here are a few of our confirmed vendors for September:

Smoking Good Wood: a local family owned business based out of Calgary, Alberta. We bring quality firewood in from BC and Saskatchewan for indoor and outdoor fireplaces, wood-burning pizza ovens, fire pits, and campfires
SVP Photography/The Art of Portraiture: Shelley V owns and operates a portrait studio overlooking Fish Creek Park in Calgary. She’s an active member of the photographic community and “her portraits and paintings have been described as timeless, classical, and elegant.”
Wild West RV: With over 20 years in the RV industry, Wild West RV’s offers an extensive selection of both new and used RV parts at competitive prices. They also have mobile technicians for reliable and hassle-free RV repair services to customers in Calgary, AB.

If you are interested in being a vendor, please reach out! We are always looking for new talent and local goods.

*No food vendors unless the food is sealed and served “take-away” please.

Let the Music Play

With more confirmed bands, Ribfest is shaping up to be an even more exhilarating event. Get ready to groove to the rhythm of talented musicians and enjoy musical styles that will keep you entertained throughout the festival.

Friday night has gone country so saddle up and dust off those boots. The opening act is Lori Kole, hailing from Calgary, she is a Country Americana artist with 20+ years on stage performing her co-written Nashville produced originals and covers of rock and country. Our headliner that night is the one and only Jeff Catto! This amazing artist also calls Calgary home and we are so pleased to welcome him back to Ribfest! Jeff delivers a blend of singer-songwriter pop/rock country mixed with Gospel roots that has been compared to and influenced by notable artists such as, Dierks Bentley, Niko Moon, and Needtobreathe.

For the rest of the weekend’s link-up please check out the website!

See you soon friends! Keep checking back for updates!

Getting Ready for BBQ Season

Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather than firing up the grill for a delicious BBQ, BOY are we ready!! With the hot weather in Calgary and in preparation for our Rotary YYC Ribfest coming in September, it’s time to start getting grill-ready!

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get ready for your BBQ season and make the most out of the upcoming Rotary Ribfest.

Plan Your Menu

First things first, you need to plan your menu. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a big neighbourhood block party, you want to make sure you have enough food for everyone. Think about what kind of meat you want to grill – ribs, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or maybe even some veggies. Make a list of all the ingredients you need and hit the grocery store.

If you’re attending the Ribfest, you’re in for a treat! The event will feature some of the best ribbers of Alberta, serving up mouth-watering ribs! Be sure to check out the list of ribbers attending the event, so you know which booths to visit first. All listed here.

Get Your Grill Ready for BBQ Season

Before you start grilling, you need to make sure your grill is clean and in good working condition. Remove any leftover debris from previous grilling sessions and give the grates a good scrub. If you have a gas grill, check the propane tank, hoses and/or gas-line to make sure everything is in working order.

If you’re attending the Ribfest, you don’t have to worry about bringing your own grill. The event will have plenty of grills and smokers for the ribbers to use, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the food.

Create a Cozy Atmosphere

No BBQ is complete without a cozy atmosphere. Set up some comfortable seating, outdoor lighting and maybe even some music to create the perfect ambiance. If you have a backyard, set up some games like cornhole or horseshoes for some friendly competition.

At the Ribfest, you can expect a fun and lively atmosphere with live music, entertainment, and dancing (for all ages)! Bring yourself and your appetite and get ready to have a great time!

Don’t Forget the Drinks & Desserts

No BBQ is complete without refreshing drinks and delicious desserts. Stock up on your favourite beverages, whether it’s beer, wine, or soda, and don’t forget to have plenty of ice on hand. For desserts, think about easy-to-make options like ice cream, fruit salad, or s’mores.

At the Ribfest, you’ll have a few options for drinks and other treats. There will be a beer truck (Village), local vendors and a few food trucks.

So now you’re all set to get ready for a BBQ! Planning, preparation and creating a cozy space to hold your BBQ and gather with friends and family. With the 2023 Rotary Ribfest just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start getting excited for a fun-filled weekend of great ribs, live music, and entertainment. Parking and entry to the event are FREE and is accessible via LRT! See you soon YYC!