Rib Fest (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BIG WEEKEND

Tens of thousands expected downtown this weekend for Hot Nite and Rib Fest

Aug 8, 2024 | 6:15 PM

KAMLOOPS — One of Kamloops’ premier summer weekends is fast approaching with the smell of ribs set to invade the river city starting Friday (Aug 9).

Six professional ribbers are already assembled in river side park, preparing for the start of Kamloops’ Rib Fest tomorrow as final preparations are underway to welcome thousands of carnivores this weekend. But while the ribs may be the main attraction, the fest doesn’t stop there.

“I think you will actually smell the waft of smoke in the air later tonight, people will be getting ready,” said Rib Fest Organizer Bryce Herman. “As of tomorrow we will be starting at 11 o’clock right here at Riverside Park, so we will be here from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. lots of activities going on. The ribs will be going, the brisket, the chicken, all the usual stuff. And of course we will have an incredible amount of entertainment going on on the mainstage throughout the weekend.”

Rib Fest runs every day this weekend with a free kids zone with entertainment, and a number of tribute acts set to headline the each night at rotary bandshell. The event will be a gated event with visitors asked to remember there ID’s. and plan ahead for parking.

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“But we also have complimentary transit service all weekend for people, so you can come on down, doesn’t cost you anything, get on a bus make your way down here. Carpool, there is some parking in the area but it is going to be limited, so carpooling is going to be the best way. And we also have a bike valet,” added Herman.

For those not interested in licking sauce from their fingers, or those walking off the calories of a few racks, Hot Nite in the city will takeover the downtown core, helping bring more people to the heart of Kamloops for an opportunity to support local businesses.

“Some of them lock the door and head down into the fun, others stay open later, depends what you are looking for. but we want to see a tonne of people from Rib Fest come into the downtown core and of course Hot Nite in the City as well, probably 20,000-25,000 in the downtown core,” said Executive Director of the KCBIA Howie Reimer.

While the event will run regardless of weather, mother nature is not expected to play a role this weekend.

“Rain of shine we are going to be here, but the weather forecast is perfect. Let’s face it, 29 and I think 30 for Saturday and then 29 again on Sunday. Doesn’t get a whole lot better than that, that is going to be absolutely a perfect temperature,” said Herman.