This summer, Canada gets a brand-new reason to gather around the fire.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of SMOKED, a bold new BBQ and live fire festival launching July 18–20, 2025 in Vaughan, Ontario. For the first time ever, the nation’s top pitmasters, chefs, and culinary creators will unite for a weekend-long celebration of smoke, flame, and flavour.
SMOKED is more than a food event, it’s a fire-forward experience built for BBQ lovers, culinary adventurers, and first-timers alike.
Expect three days of slow-smoked brilliance, fire-charred favourites, cold craft drinks, and summer nights filled with music you won’t find anywhere else.
Psst! Want a deal on your tickets? Followers of the Culinary Tourism Alliance get $20 tickets. Just use the promo code CTA20.
What to Expect at the First-Ever SMOKED
This one-of-a-kind weekend brings together Canada’s best in BBQ and live-fire cuisine, featuring exclusive dishes, demos, music and immersive experiences. Whether you’re craving brisket perfection or plant-forward flame fare, SMOKED promises something unforgettable at every turn.
The Culinary Lineup
SMOKED features a handpicked lineup of chefs and pitmasters representing the best of Canadian BBQ, from traditional wood smokers to global fusion innovators. With a combined following of almost 3 million fans, this lineup is not to be missed: Trevor Lui, Lawrence La Pianta, Chef Dwight Smith, Mel Chmilar Jr., Rob Reinhardt, Sylvia Nguyen, Chef Matt Basile, Patrick McMurray, Shucker Paddy, Rob Yu, Ryan & Jason Buising Andrew Golden and Brand Petrasso.
These chefs will be joined by local restaurants, guest vendors, and culinary partners from across Ontario, each offering their own take on what BBQ and open-fire cooking can be. From smoked jerk chicken and brisket to fire-charred pizzas and desserts, Smoked is a full-spectrum experience built around fire and flavour.
A Soundtrack That Brings the Heat
Great food deserves a great soundtrack, and at SMOKED, the music is just as unforgettable as the meals with live performances by Wing Night on July 18, The Free Label on July 19 and DJ Flohback all weekend long.
Let’s Talk Details
Here’s all the details you need to know!
Ticket Info
Ready to go? You can grab your tickets here.
General Admission – $35 (Early Bird $27.50 – Limited Quantity)
Get full access to the SMOKED festival and explore a curated lineup of Canada’s top BBQ and live fire chefs, local food vendors and music all day long. Food and drink tokens available for purchase on-site or in advance. Kids 12 and under get in free.
VIP Garden Party – $99 (Early Bird $89 – Limited Quantity)
Looking to take your SMOKED experience up a notch? The VIP Garden Party is your ticket to elevated comfort and exclusive eats. Enjoy a 19+ atmosphere and a curated tasting menu available only in the VIP area.
Location and Accessibility
SMOKED takes place at Assembly Park, a dedicated outdoor space in Vaughan, just steps away from the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Subway Station. There’s GO Bus access, free on-site parking, and easy entrance from Highway 400, Highway 407 and Highway 7. The venue is full accessible and designed with every guest in mind.
More to Come
Additional chefs, bands, vendors and beverage partners will be announced leading up to the event. As this is the first-ever SMOKED Festival, expect surprises, collaborations and fire-forward activations that make SMOKED more than a festival. It’s a destination for anyone who appreciates bold flavour, creative energy and shared experiences.
Reserve Your Spot
From ribs and brisket to bourbon and summer nights, SMOKED is where it all comes together.
Early bird and VIP tickets are extremely limited. Lock in your spot today and get ready a flavour packed weekend this summer.
