Halal Ribfest 2024 in Vancouver: Family-friendly food fest

North America's largest Halal BBQ and street food fest lands in Metro Vancouver this weekend

This two-day food fest also happens to be Vancouver's biggest Halal event

Halal Ribfest is a touring family-friendly food festival that has operated in North America for nearly a decade. The event, which features 100% Halal foods, will take place in Metro Vancouver for a second year on Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2024, in Surrey.Halal Ribfest/Facebook

Now in its ninth year, Halal Ribfest - which touts itself as "North America's largest Halal BBQ and street food festival" - is travelling the continent and will set up in Metro Vancouver for a weekend of eats and entertainment as summer comes to an end.

Halal Ribfest 2024 lands in Surrey's Holland Park for a three-day fest from August 30 through September 1.

This marks the second year the touring food fest is operating in Metro Vancouver.

The event features a line-up of vendors preparing 100 per cent Halal-certified eats, particularly BBQ meats alongside popular street food dishes.

While the emphasis is on Southern-style BBQ (think brisket and beef ribs), Halal Ribfest also has vendors specializing in standard carnival fare, from Beavertails to shaved ice and more.

Shop from a pop-up marketplace featuring vendors offering Halal packaged foods, as well as other kinds of goods and merch.

For the kids, there are carnival games, magicians, and even a bouncy castle. The Kids Zone is open Friday from 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

Live entertainment includes performer Subhan on the Halal Ribfest stage.

A variety of ticketing options to cover admission to the festival grounds is available, ranging from discounted single admission to group admissions. A three-day fest pass for anyone over 13 is $11.39, while a single day admission for Saturday or Sunday is $6. Kids under 13 are free. All of the food is available for purchase and is not covered by the admission fee.