Rack 'em up! Rotary Ribfest returns to Sydney this weekend

The smell of barbecued ribs and chicken will be filling the air this weekend as Rotary Ribfest makes its return to Open Hearth Park in Sydney this weekend. Steven Rolls has been attending the annual feast since it first started in 2015. He said going to the event each year it takes place never grows [...]

The smell of barbecued ribs and chicken will be filling the air this weekend as Rotary Ribfest makes its return to Open Hearth Park in Sydney this weekend. Steven Rolls has been attending the annual feast since it first started in 2015. He said going to the event each year it takes place never grows old.

“I love going (there) for the food,” the Sydney resident said. “I know you can get ribs anywhere in Sydney, but the smoked ribs (at Ribfest) are quite unique. So it’s a different treat — it’s something you know you don’t get the rest of the year.”

Rolls said he brings along his family and friends, and they all make a day or two of it, testing out which ribber offers the best food items. He added he tries to go early enough to avoid the lengthy waits. “We each take a line, and we get a sampling of each (ribber) and split them up amongst everyone,” he said.

“It is funny because every year we forget which were our favourites from the year before, and I think every year we have a different favourite.” This year’s three-day Rotary Ribfest kicks off Friday and runs until Sunday night. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.

NEW RIBBER IN TOWN The 2026 summer event will also have a new ribber in attendance: Smokehouse Bandits, based out of southwestern Ontario. They will join the likes of the familiar lineup of Camp 31, Crabby’s BBQ, Pistol Pete’s and Texas Rangers BBQ. Previous years saw Billy Bones as another familiar barbecue ribs and chicken participant.

But according to Michele McKinnon, a member of the Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club and public relations chair for the event, the Billy Bones crew “just weren’t able to accommodate the trip here.” On the plus side, that gives Rolls and his Ribfest companions a new option to try. “I’ll be excited if we have a new one,” he said.

The annual event often draws thousands of people eager to have their tastebuds sink into the ribbers’ wares. Each ribber posts their individual menus in front of their mobile kitchen and smoker on wheels. Attendees can purchase full, half or third racks, pulled pork or barbecued chicken — as well as vote on which of the five Canadian-based professional ribbers offer the best ribs, best sauce and People’s Choice awards.

CHARITABLE CAUSE Admission to Rotary Ribfest is free. And because the event is considered a fundraiser, organizers encourage attendees to make a donation at the main gate in support of the many community-based organizations that receive funding from Rotary throughout the year. “Last year, for the first time, it was Rotary distributing the funds through our charitable networks, and this is the second time we’ll be doing that,” McKinnon said.

With the exception of 2020 and 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event’s cancellation, Rotary Ribfest has raised more than $540,000 for such local charities as the United Way, the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County; Caleb’s Courage and the Tom MacNeil Patient Care Fund at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and Rotary’s local initiatives focused on youth, health, food insecurity, seniors and community infrastructure. “We welcome people to give at the gate and whatever they can provide is very much appreciated,” McKinnon said, “And they can do so knowing that the money they donate at that gate will be given back to our community.”

Last year, a total of 26,930 people attended the weekend proceedings (5,710 on Friday, 15,312 on Saturday and 5,908 on Sunday). McKinnon said the event raised $43,000 through donations at the gate in 2025. “Rotary supports so many charities within the CBRM (Cape Breton Regional Municipality), and we’re proud to do so,” she said.

“And unfortunately, the need is growing, so the more we can provide, the more we can help out those who need us most.” FAMILY FRIENDLY Rolls also appreciates the social, family-friendly environment that Ribfest offers every year he attends. Despite the ribbers’ long lineups, other on-site food vendors are available.

The Hot Dog Stand, BeaverTails, Tator King, Not Just Cakes, and Heavenly Sweet Creations are also slated to participate to round out visitors’ menu options. Also on site will be a beverage tent setup and areas for family fun activities. As well, entertainment will be provided by the likes of Cape Breton trio Leadbeater, Green & Roberts (a.k.a. LGR), Flo Sampson and Friends, Hearts of Kin, Amelie Sampson, Jesse Cox, Buddy MacDonald, Angelo Spinazzola and the Groovin’ Blue Skies Band — to name but a few.

“There’s just steady activity going all day long, and we really pride ourselves on creating a family festival event,” McKinnon said. “So we try to create something for everyone, making sure there’s you know things for the kids to do. “There’s lots of great music, and a vendor village, and of course the food.

It’s really a festival atmosphere and we so hope people come and support it again this year.” For Rolls, half the fun is also seeing the people who stop in — and wholeheartedly enjoying themselves. “It’s just one of those places that there’s like thousands of people, but nobody seems mad, upset or throwing a tantrum,” he said.

“The kids are having a blast on the bouncy tents, and the adults are all fed and happy. “And no matter how long you’re in one of the lines, there’s always somebody around to talk to in the line. You know the person ahead of you is going through the exact same thing, right?”

—————————————————————————————— IF YOU GO What: Rotary Ribfest Where: Open Hearth Park, Sydney When: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Admission: Free, but donations at the gate are encouraged Participating ribbers: Camp 31, Crabby’s BBQ, Pistol Pete’s Texas Rangers BBQ and, new for this year, Smokehouse Bandits Other information: Ribfest is a cash-only event; however, two cash machines will be located on site for those who require cash via an automated teller machine