A Bone To Pick: Your Guide To Medicine Hat RIBFEST

If you see smoke billowing from the Medicine Hat Lodge parking lot, don't worry—there's no need to call the fire department. Instead, call your friends and bring your appetite. Medicine Hat RIBFEST returns from August 9th to 11th. With the smoky aroma of barbeque wafting through the air and the lively sounds of local bands, the scene is set for an unforgettable and satisfying summer night. Whether you’re a rib connoisseur or a first-timer, here’s what you need to know about Medicine Hat RIBFEST.

The Inaugural RIBFEST

The first time grill masters brought their rib trucks to Medicine Hat was in September 2017. The gigantic displays were set up in the mall parking lot and served as a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The event included a free stage for community members to perform. My five-minute stand-up comedy routine was poorly received, as everyone was too busy eating ribs.

What To Expect

1. The Ribs: These are the stars of the show, brought to you by the Western Canada RIBFEST Tour. Four different rib trucks will be set up and offer a range of flavours and styles. Each contender has won multiple awards at meat-related events around North America.
2. More Meat: If ribs aren’t your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of other finger-licking items to choose from. Expect pulled pork, chicken, sausage, cornbread, beans, and much more on the menu.
3. Price: Admission is free. A full rack of ribs will cost around $33, while a half rack is closer to $19. The ballpark price for a pulled pork sandwich is $14. However, various meat combos will be available, ranging from $23 to $161. Vendors typically accept all types of payment via debit and cash.
4. Entertainment: Several local artists will take the RIBFEST Stage throughout the event. Also appearing is the world’s best Bon Jovi Tribute: Bed of Roses. Mark your calendar for August 10th at 7:30 p.m. The BIG RIB Competition is slated for 3pm on Sunday.

The Rib Trucks

1. Billy’s BBQ: In 30 years of traveling across Canada and the United States, they’ve racked up more than 250 awards. Look out for fall-off-the-bone original, tangy, or hot ribs.
2. Blazin’ BBQ: They’ve been in the rib game since 2002 and have 500+ wins under their belt. Also on their menu is Mac & Cheese and Eleven Spice Chicken which could put the Colonel to shame.   
3. Bone Daddy BBQ: See if your tastebuds can detect their secret ingredient – papaya extract. They also cut and cure their own wood, which has garnered them hundreds of wins across North America.
4. Buckeye BBQ: Their BBQ sauce pays tribute to their Midwest heritage. Home of St. Louis-style ribs, they have a unique blend of spice, an unmistakable sweet with the just right amount of heat.

The Entertainment

1. Friday, August 9th: 5:30pm – Monster & Cake | 7:15pm – Logan Straub Music
2. Saturday, August 10th: 5pm – Presley Battle | 6:15 – Full Circle | 7:30pm – Bed of Roses
3. Sunday, August 11th: 12pm – Trent Roset | 4pm – Christie Kurpjuweit | 5pm – Rob Hudec

More Than Just A Meal

Stuffing your face and unbuckling your belt is just one aspect of Medicine Hat RIBFEST: it’s a celebration of summer, uniting the community, and the shared love of great food. You could meet someone new who shares your affinity for meat, or just support your fellow Hatter by listening to live music and getting a snack from one of the local food trucks. Make sure you bring the kids for the family fun zone and create some lasting memories.

Final Thoughts

Let someone else do the cooking that weekend. Medicine Hat RIBFEST takes over the Medicine Hat Lodge / Copper Coulee Casino parking lot from August 9th to the 11th. The event goes rain or shine because rain won’t keep the BBQ away. Check out the Medicine Hat RIBFEST Facebook page. You can also win a half rack of ribs by listening to John & Steve on Jack 102.1.