The ECBA is proud to present “Smoke This” Rib Fest 2026!

The event is perfect for all ages, so come and enjoy some BBQ, live music and so much more. There will be plenty of food and fun to be had, but for the best chance to sample a variety of ribs and to cast your vote for the People’s Choice, you’ll need a Taste Ticket. This will get you 10 rib samples from the restaurants of your choice on a first come first serve basis. Taste Tickets go on sale on September 1st. Taste Tickets sell out every year, so each restaurant will also be selling a dish at a great price, showcasing food from their fall menu. So even if you miss out on buying a Taste Ticket, you can still enjoy tasty food from some of the best restaurants in Cambridge!

Live music will be provided by some of your local favorites, including Albino Mbie, Jesse Ahern, Royer's One Man Band, and The Atwood's feat. Sean Staples, Jimmy Ryan, Chris Anzalone & Jeremy Dryden! Also stop by The East End House for kid’s crafts and games.

The growing list of participating restaurants include Althea, Bambara Kitchen and Bar, Dumpling Xuan, Filarmonica Santo Antonio, Formaggio Kitchen Kendall, Gufo, Lone Star Taco Bar, Oak Bistro, Paperback Tavern, Revival Cafe, Rindge Culinary Students, Shy Bird, Scull and Keel Fish House, Shy Bird, and  State Park.

Rib Fest is a perfect opportunity to get a taste of the local fare in and near East Cambridge and is produced by The East Cambridge Business Association and sponsored by Cambridge Office of Tourism, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, BXP, DivcoWest, BioMed Realty, City of Cambridge, MITimCo, Anderson Window, Cambridgeside, Dirty Water Fitness, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Fairlane Property/Geek Offices, MIT, Naveo Credit Union, Riverside Properties, Surfside, Cambridge Savings Bank, East End House, Laborers Local 151, Riverside Properties, Arts Council, Cambridge Printing Co., Eversource, and Rock & Roll Daycare.