There are dozens if not hundreds of reasons to take a vacation to Niagara Falls in June. From the opportunity to bask in the spray of the waterfalls when the weather is warm to the chance to wander among picturesque vineyards with a glass of wine at sunset, June is one of the region’s most comfortable and beautiful months.
Whether you’re planning a trip with your spouse, your family, or a group of friends, the region is truly at its best as summer gets underway. There is plenty of free, live entertainment throughout the city. There are all kinds of festivals and outdoor events to attend, and while the list of what you could do is almost unending, one of June’s main attractions is barbecued ribs.
For one weekend a year, purveyors of some of the finest smoked ribs in all of Canada converge on Niagara Falls for our annual Ribfest. This year marks the 12th Father’s Day Weekend in a row for the celebration, and here is just some of what you and your appetite can look forward to should you venture to attend.
The Ribs at Ribfest 2016
It probably goes without saying, but the Rotary Club’s Ribfest is neither for vegetarians nor the faint of heart. For three glorious days — June 17th, 18th, and 19th — for a total of almost 30 hours, the art of smoked rib meat is on full display at Niagara Square. Six different vendors will vie for prizes and bragging rights throughout the weekend, and if you attend for enough meals, you can sample them all. This year’s “Ribbers” include:
- Bone Daddy (winner of last year’s best ribs and best sauce)
- Texas Rangers BBQ
- Billy Bones
- Silver Bullet
- Horn Dawgs (last year’s People’s Choice winner)
- Crabby’s BBQ
The Fun at Ribfest 2016
Of course, there is more to do at Ribfest than just lie down with a pile of ribs, so when you’re in need of an eating break, you’ll find plenty to do. Over 20 other vendors will be present and selling their food, drinks, and wares, and there will also be live musical entertainment throughout the entire weekend, including:
- The Madhatter’s
- Crowns Down
- Travelling Beer Bellies
- Wilbur James Blues Band
- And more!
There’s also a kids’ area that will include fun and giant inflatables to play in, and for the gambling set: 50/50 draws, where the more you spend, the more you stand to win, and the more money is raised for charity.
Rotary and Charity
Speaking of charity, think spending a weekend eating ribs couldn’t get any better? Think again. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, all the money raised at Ribfest is poured back into Niagara Falls and the surrounding communities. Past recipients include Pathstone Mental Health, GNGH Foundation, Rotary House, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara, Literacy Niagara, and the School Breakfast Program.
Admission to Ribfest is always free, and there’s even free parking available as well. No matter what brings you to Niagara this June, indulge your appetite at one of the area’s best-loved and best-tasting events by spending some time at Ribfest.