With new organizers and a fresh set of ideas, one of Penticton’s flagship summertime events is returning to the city in 2024.
Ribfest, which in Penticton will now be called SummerCamp Rib & Music Fest, comes to Okanagan Lake Park from Sept. 13 to 15.
Along with food and music, this year’s event will also feature adult-sized games like tug of war and water fights. A kids’ zone with obstacle courses and other games will be included, organizers added.
After hosting the event for the last nine years, the Rotary Club of Penticton announced in January it would not continue organizing Ribfest due to rising costs and loss of volunteers.
The inaugural SummerCamp Rib & Music Festival in Penticton is being organized by Vancouver-based The Festival Company and The Narrow Group.
“I know how much Ribfest meant to the area,” said Keremeos native Billie Jo Aasen of The Festival Company. “We’re thrilled to keep it alive with a new festival that’s perfect for adults, kids, and the whole family. We’re bringing all the best things about summer days — music, games, food — and dropping into Penticton for one amazing weekend.”
Over the last several years, Penticton Ribfest had been held in early July at Skaha Lake Park.
Although the event is free to attend, tickets are required and can downloaded free of charge at
“It’s going to be like a summer camp for adults and kids, with games, food, and music to fill the whole weekend,” a press release from organizers read.
Festivities will run from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Vancouver is hosting a similar event from June 21 to 23, SummerCamp Festival at Jonathan Rogers Park.