Had to check this one out as I hadn’t been to Woodbine Park before. So, headed to this festival on the Saturday evening (between 5-6pm). [I actually don't have this one listed on my site, but when updating it, I will.]
To get here, took Coxwell bus south to Queen Street. Unfortunately, the bus took forever and when it got to the station, it was not only ended up being packed, but another bus arrived directly after our bus arrived…next time, I would try the Queen Street East streetcar. Got off at Kingston Rd stop and had to walk back towards the Harveys. Once we saw the Big Ferris Wheel, destination was in our sights!
Once inside the park, it actually felt like being at a country fair. There was a fairly big amusement/rides section – popular with the families – that was situated away from the actual main festival area – great idea. Also, portaloos and wash stations were close by!
There were a handful of Rib vendors (all had line ups) and all priced the same, so no need to look for a better deal.
All the Rib vendors came from the U.S. and it was your personal choice as to which one you decided to line up at – all had large lineups but all moved quite quickly.
Purchased ribs, pulled pork and chicken combo at $22 and added beans and rice ($1 each) so all in all, it cost us $24 for a good sized portion (it weighed a ton!) that we ended up taking home. For the big eaters out there, you may want to pick up an extra rack of ribs! CASH only!
OMG, the ribs were falling off the bone, awesome sauce and the pulled pork…. to die for! (Hawgs Gone Wild)!!!!
There was a craft beer garden at the opposite side of the ribbers where a smaller line up was happening but quickly got in. Proof of age (ID) was being asked for, so make sure you take it with you if you want to get into the beer garden. It’s CASH only too!
The size of the stage surprised me… it’s HUGE! The band started playing just soon after we arrived – great sound. There were tables n chairs available, but trying to find empty ones were virtually impossible at that time of the day (5-6pm) so we positioned ourselves behind the stage on the hill along with others.
There were other vendors there too and were all positioned on the outskirts of the park along with the Ribbers allowing lots of space in the middle for those who were eating and listening to the music.
Take a blanket with you – it’s much easier than trying to look for empty chairs and more comfy than sitting on the grass.
Overall, it was a good feel. It’s a festival that I can see is not one for everyone, but if you like your meats n beer, and good live music – it’s one you should consider, especially on a beautiful summer’s night. It definitely had a laid-back feel to it. As I mentioned earlier, a country-fairish feel to it!
You definitely gotta try the RIBS if you’re in the vicinity. It doesn’t cost anything to go to it. The RIBS were amazing and totally worth it!! The festival runs through til Sunday with live reggae music.
Once through the barriers, started looking at all the booths that were lined up on both sides of the streets. Didn’t notice much in the way of freebies with bags of doggy food n treats but there were a lot of free samples in dishes for the dogs and coupons given out. CP24 seemed to have a ‘following’ during filming.
and another
and one more
There was (as always) a large crowd around the stage (situated beside the Firkin pub), a rescue section at the opposite end, dogs paddling in the fountain and food area for the humans all in the park (Berczy Park).
For some, it was just a little too much to take in for one day…
