Toronto Ribfest Cancelled Days Before Festival Start

A massive rib festival in Toronto that was scheduled for this weekend was cancelled just days before it was set to start.

Just four days before the third annual Etobicoke Ribfest was scheduled to kick off, locals were shocked to learn that the festival had been suddenly and without warning shut down.

Set to kick off Friday, July 19 and run through Sunday, the festival promises food from five of North America’s best rib teams, serving up flavorful, smoky barbecue, as well as live musical performances throughout the weekend.

But on Monday, July 15, festival organizers issued an abrupt statement announcing that the event had been canceled altogether, followed shortly after by a letter explaining the situation in more detail.

“It is with deep regret that we announce the cancellation of Lakeshore Ribfest 2024, which was scheduled to take place this weekend at Assembly Park in Etobicoke,” begins the letter, signed by organizer Rick Brooks.

According to Brooks, the City of Toronto issued last-minute requirements that the festival install protective matting to cover the entire grass area to prevent damage to the park’s grass, which Brooks said would be “nearly impossible.”

“Despite our best efforts to provide alternative solutions with these new regulations, the deadlines and logistical challenges presented made it impossible for us to meet these requirements and proceed with the event as planned,” he explains.

While Brooks says he and the other event organizers “share the community’s disappointment,” he also adds that he hopes to hold the festival again at another location in the future.

You can read the full copy of the cancellation letter here.