Annual Northumberland Ribfest and Other Upcoming Events

Ribfest Returns to Victoria Park August 15 - 17

Cobourg, ON (August 11, 2025) – The Community Services Division would like to inform residents and visitors that Northumberland’s annual Ribfest and Music Festival is back this weekend in Victoria Park.

From August 15 to 17, the Rotary Club of Cobourg will host some of North America’s top ribbers, serving up mouth-watering BBQ all weekend long. Pair your ribs with incredible live performances from the Offbeats, Steel Horse Gypsies, Practically Hip, Wicklow, Night Fever, Handsome Dewey & The Swag, Elton/Billy show, Mid-life Crisis, and Looney Tunes.

Festival Hours:
Friday: 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Entertainment Lineup:

Friday, August 15

• 4 - 6 p.m. Offbeats | Funky rhythms to kick things off
• 6 - 8 p.m. Steel Horse Gypsies | Southern rock with soul
• 8 - 10 p.m. Practically Hip | Canada’s best Tragically Hip tribute

Saturday, August 16

• 2 - 4 p.m. Wicklow | Celtic-infused folk and rock
• 4 - 6 p.m. Night Fever | The ultimate Bee Gees tribute
• 6 - 8 p.m. Handsome Dewey & The Swag | Rock & blues energy
• 8 - 10 p.m. Elton/Billy Show | The legends come to life on stage!

Sunday, August 17

• 12 - 1 p.m. Mid-Life Crisis | Classic rock with local flair
• 1 - 2 p.m. Rib Judging Contest | Who will win the crown?
• 2 - 4 p.m. Looney Tunes | Canadian classic rock that hits home

This free admission event is a major fundraiser supporting the Rotary Club of Cobourg’s work in helping worthy causes both locally and abroad. Rotary Club of Cobourg Members will be collecting cash donations from those who wish to donate.

Road Closures
Queen Street will be closed from Charles Street to Church Street beginning Wednesday, August 13 at 8:00 a.m. until Monday, August 18 at 8:00 a.m.

For more finger-licking details, visit cobourgrotary.ca.

Upcoming Community Events:

Cobourg Farmers Market
Saturdays until December | Rotary Harbourfront Park
The Cobourg Farmers Market is where you meet your neighbours and friends, purchase excellent local produce and meats, try wonderful baked goods and take home some local crafts and ready-to-eat specialties. Browse the stalls, enjoy samples, discover new tastes and soak up the lively atmosphere, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Concert Band of Cobourg
Tuesdays until August 26, 7:30 p.m. | Victoria Park
The Concert Band of Cobourg performs free concerts every Tuesday evening at the Victoria Park bandshell. Bring your lawn chair for an evening of live music, featuring marches, show tunes, traditional pieces, and everything in between.

On Tuesday, August 26, the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums will join the band for a special End of Summer Concert.

Strong Kids Duathlon
Thursday, August 21 | Centennial Pool and Victoria Park
The YMCA Northumberland Strong Kids Duathlon is not just any race; it is an inspiring combination of running and swimming challenges that showcase the spirit of young athletes. This year, funds raised will support the Mothers of Newborns program. YMCA Membership is not required to participate in the Strong Kids Duathlon – any child aged 3 to 15 can register and participate in this event (cost: $17 per child + processing fees).
Visit Strong Kids Duathlon - YMCA Northumberland to register for the event and learn more.

Movies Under the Stars
Saturday, August 30 – 8:30 p.m. | Cobourg Beach
Spend a summer evening by the water and enjoy a free outdoor screening of Clueless on beautiful Cobourg Beach. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, settle in under the stars, and enjoy the show.

The beach food trucks — Leguan and Murney’s Beachside Bites — will be open with snacks and food available for purchase.

There are many events planned through the next few weeks of summer for residents to enjoy, visit ExperienceCobourg.ca for additional information.

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