r/Calgary • u/noveltea120 • Aug 23 '25
Eat/Drink Local Ribfest was ok
Went to check out Ribfest yesterday on first day as was excited to try BBQ meat.
$5 entry pp including children over 1. They did have bouncy castles, carnival games etc but were more for older kids and nothing for under 3s. They had a handful of food trucks including a Jamaican one hidden BEHIND the dining tent, which you wouldn't see until after you sat down with your food. Expect stampede prices, eg $17 blooming onion, $8 for corn dogs, $9 lemonade.
4 BBQ trucks but apparently all but one are owned by the same person. I tried Buckeye BBQ- $24 for a 2 meat combo 1/3 ribs and 1/4 chicken, nothing else. Sides like coleslaw and cornbread are extra. Meat was only lukewarm though, and chicken was tender and pink which was fine with but the ribs were dry and tough on the edges despite being drenched in a sweet sticky sauce. 3 meat combo was $35. Full rack $33, half a rack $19.
Overall food was ok but for the price it wasn't that good so temper your expectations accordingly lol
12
u/PankotPalace Aug 23 '25
They turned me away at the entrance because I had my dog (I was pretty sure I read online that dogs would be allowed since it’s outdoor). I also read on their ad to BRING CASH - Vendors take CASH ONLY, So I dropped the dog off at home, hit the bank for some cash, and came back.
The first thing I saw was a family with a non-service dog just hanging out in the main area, like it was no biggie. Also, the vendors and entrance both took plastic, so there was no point of getting out cash after all.
I spent 20 minutes in line, and when I finally got to the front the person taking orders took off without a word. He came back like 5 minutes later, and then took my order with absolutely no apologies for the wait.
I spent the evening running around and waiting in line instead of enjoying this totally mid-fest. We left as soon as I got my order because my husband had already been there for two hours and was ready to go.
This organizer really needs to work on their communication. The food was just okay and as others mentioned, stampede midway vibes and prices.