A Kamloops summer tradition is entering a new chapter. This weekend’s Ribfest at Riverside Park will be the final one hosted by the Kamloops Rotary Clubs — but it won’t be the last Ribfest the city sees.

“We can say this with confidence: Ribfest isn’t going anywhere,” said Bryce Herman, spokesperson for Kamloops Rotary. “This is the last Rotary-led Ribfest, but we are in final negotiations with another organization to take it over. The ink just isn’t dry yet.”

Although Rotary will no longer be at the helm after this year, Herman emphasized that the beloved community event will continue in future summers, just under new leadership.

Rotary’s exit marks the end of an era — one that has left a sizable footprint on Kamloops. Not only has Ribfest brought in millions of dollars in economic benefit annually, it has also delivered countless memories and community-building moments. The festival relies on local businesses for everything from fencing to port-a-potties, and Rotary spends hundreds of thousands each year on local services and rentals.

“Almost 30% of our attendees are destination visitors,” Herman said, pointing to data from two separate economic impact surveys. “It’s a major tourism driver.”

A Weekend of Events at Riverside Park and Downtown

Though Rotary is passing the torch, this year’s Ribfest is shaping up to be a perfect celebration of what the event has become. The weekend also features Hot Nite in the City and the Kamloops Dragon Boat Festival, creating a jam-packed, family-friendly experience across the downtown core and riverside.

Hot Nite in the City, now in its 31st year, takes place August 8–9, and will once again close off six downtown blocks to display an eye-popping array of vehicles — from street rods and American muscle to vintage bikes and competition rigs — along with vendors and live music.

Meanwhile, the Kamloops Dragon Boat Festival returns Saturday, August 9 at Riverside Park, with races running from 8:30 a.m. to around 3:30 p.m., every 20 minutes. The event is free to attend and offers front-row views from the beach, a paddlers village, music from a live DJ, and a chance to learn about the sport and even join a team.

Event Coordinator Lucas Sweet says they have teams from around the region and around the province coming to race. “Multiple teams coming from the lower mainland, and it’s just a really good way to celebrate the sport and give people in our region an opportunity to have a high-class competitive event here at Kamloops.”

Sweet says a highlight of the festival is the Pink Carnation Ceremony at 10:00 a.m., organized by the Kamloops Spirit Warriors — a team of breast cancer survivors who use dragon boating as a healing and empowering activity. The moving ceremony honours survivors, those lost to cancer, and their loved ones.

“This is a celebration of strength and remembrance,” said Grace LaBossiere, a 23-year breast cancer survivor and member of the Spirit Warriors. “It’s emotional and powerful — and everyone is welcome to attend.”

Sweet hopes other water users can be respectful of the event while it taking place. “If you can, we know that a river is a river, so sometimes you do have to go by. But if you do have to go by, slow down. There’s race buoys, so just try to move to the side of the racetrack. Slow down so your waves aren’t knocking any boats over or anything like that.”

Free Fun, Ribs, Music, and More

This year’s Ribfest will offer everything locals and visitors have come to love: mouth-watering BBQ from national ribbers, live music throughout the weekend, and the Home Hardware Family Fun Zone, which remains accessible by donation — making it affordable for families of all incomes.

Ribfest’s 50/50 draw is also back, with a goal of topping last year’s $80,000 jackpot. Tickets are available online at kamloopsribfest.com and at the park.

And while sunny skies are in the forecast — with temperatures expected in the low 30s — Herman encourages attendees to bring sun protection, water, and perhaps a lawn chair to enjoy the live entertainment comfortably.

“It’s going to be a gorgeous weekend,” he said. “Bring sunscreen, stay hydrated, and come celebrate one more Rotary Ribfest with us.”

Final Thoughts

Though this weekend marks a turning point, organizers are confident Ribfest will continue to grow and evolve in Kamloops.

“There’s no funeral for Ribfest, just a handoff. And we’re excited to see where the next chapter leads.”

EVENT SNAPSHOT

• Kamloops Ribfest: August 8–10 @ Riverside Park
  – Free entry, live music, BBQ, family fun zone, 50/50 draw
  – Volunteer info: On-site at Heritage House

• Dragon Boat Festival: August 9 @ Riverside Park
  – Races 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Pink Carnation Ceremony at 10 a.m.
  – Free to attend

• Hot Nite in the City: August 8–9 @ Downtown Kamloops
  – Classic car show, vendors, live music