Experiencing Rifflandia Like a Star: Inside the Supper Club
This year, I had one of the most exciting opportunities with Victoria Taste Buds, I was invited to Rifflandia as a food influencer. Now, you might be wondering: why would a music festival invite a food content creator? The answer lies in one of the most incredible festival add-ons: the Rifflandia Supper Club.
What Is the Supper Club?
As an exclusive add-on to your Rifflandia ticket, the Supper Club gives festival-goers the chance to dine like the headliners. Curated by Alibi Catering, Jones Bar-B-Que, and The Ruby, the very teams that have been feeding Rifflandia artists for over a decade, the experience is nothing short of spectacular.
Here’s how it works: with your Supper Club pass, you get a 90-minute reservation that includes access to unlimited bites and small plates from multiple food stations. We’re talking an oyster bar, pizza station, street food, and so much more. In fact, the Supper Club has earned the reputation as the “best festival catering in the world.”
And honestly? After tasting it myself, I can confirm, it’s on another level.
The Menu Highlights
The offerings rotate and surprise, but this year’s lineup included:
- A smoked salmon station, freshly prepared on site
- Herb-crusted, bone-in ribeye served with fois gras cowboy butter, warm roasted potato salad, and bacon lardon vinaigrette
- A whole spit-roasted pig with chili vinegar injection on a brioche bun
- A fully dedicated vegan station
- Fresh crab and oysters, coffee and donuts, street tacos, and endless other bites
Every dish felt carefully thought out, elevated, creative, and delicious. As someone who has been to Rifflandia plenty of times, this was my very first Supper Club experience… and I’ll definitely be back.
Behind the Supper Club: A Chat with Chris Jones of Jones Bar-B-Que
While I was there, I had the chance to chat with Chris Jones, owner of Jones Bar-B-Que, about what makes the Supper Club so special.
Q: How did the idea for the Supper Club at Rifflandia come about?
A: We wanted to create an incentive for bands to come to Victoria, to make it a destination. The food scene here is insane, and we wanted to show it off to the artists while giving festival-goers the same level of production you’d find in bigger cities like Vancouver or Toronto. We might be on an island, but we have everything it takes.
Q: The menus change every year. Can you walk us through some standout dishes from this year’s lineup?
A: A whole spit-roasted pig, freshly smoked salmon, and even a full vegan station. We also have fresh crab, tacos, donuts, and a lot of fun street food elements. Honestly, it’s hard to narrow down because there’s so much variety.
Q: How do you plan and execute something this ambitious?
A: It’s a massive collaboration between all the chefs and teams. Planning takes about a month of back-and-forth on the menus. Each night, there are two seatings, and the crew gets fed throughout the day. In total, we run about eight different services and nothing is ever the same.
Q: What makes the Supper Club different from other festival food experiences?
A: Most festivals have low expectations when it comes to food, it’s often about convenience over quality. We wanted to change that. The goal is to eliminate the typical rider and get artists to order directly from the Supper Club menu. It’s elevated, unique, and truly the best festival hospitality experience you’ll find anywhere.
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s attended Rifflandia many times, experiencing the Supper Club added a completely new layer to the festival. It’s not just about the music—it’s about creating memories around the table, discovering Victoria’s insane food scene, and enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
If you’re heading to Rifflandia next year, do yourself a favor: grab the Supper Club add-on. Eat like the artists, savor every bite, and taste why people call this the best festival catering in the world.
Rifflandia Festival: Victoria’s Four-Day Celebration of Music, Culture, and Community
Since its debut in 2008, Rifflandia Festival has become Vancouver Island’s premier multi-genre music and culture event. Set in the heart of Victoria, BC—on the traditional territories of the Songhees & Xwsepsum Nations—Rifflandia brings together world-class talent, immersive experiences, and a deep community spirit for four unforgettable days.
What Makes Rifflandia Special
Unlike other festivals, Rifflandia is more than just a music lineup. It’s a full-spectrum cultural celebration, blending global headliners with local legends, family-friendly programming, culinary experiences, comedy, and even weddings. Every ticket purchased also gives back: 15% supports local initiatives, and the new Give Where You Riff program strengthens the festival’s impact within the community.
Rifflandia 2025 Lineup
This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular. Expect to see:
- Maribou State
- TroyBoi
- The Victoria Symphony performing Daft Punk
- Public Enemy
- NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge)
- Alessia Cara
- Charlotte Cardin
- Walk Off The Earth
- William Prince
- Macy Gray
- Shakey Graves
- Sleater-Kinney
- The Dead South
- JP Saxe
- Taiki Nulight
- Dirtwire
…and dozens more. See the full lineup here.
Festival Highlights
- Lovelandia Weddings – Tie the knot at RiffCity Hall with florals, a commissioner, photos, and day passes.
- Kidlandia – A family-friendly zone with creative programming in partnership with local institutions.
- Lafflandia – Top comedians bring the laughs, including Max Bank-Jaffe, Dino Archie, and Syd Bosel.
- Splifflandia – A Health Canada–certified cannabis ordering and delivery service, seamlessly integrated into the festival.
- Theme Days – From Glittery Alien to Bedazzled Businesswear, every day is a chance to play dress-up.
Elevated Experiences
- Pods – Private lounges with seating, shade, power outlets, and curated catering.
- Supper Club – Unlimited bites from Victoria’s best chefs, including oysters, pizza, and street food.
- VIP & Premium Passes – Exclusive lounges, better views, and upgraded comforts.
Commitment to Accessibility & Safety
Rifflandia ensures everyone can celebrate:
- Accessible viewing platforms, flat pathways, and sensory relief spaces.
- Complimentary tickets for support workers and accredited service animal access.
- Harm reduction services through WILD Collaborative, including safe spaces, naloxone, and substance-checking.
Why Rifflandia Matters
Rifflandia isn’t just a festival—it’s a cultural heartbeat for Victoria. It’s where global acts meet local talent, where families and friends gather, and where the community itself is celebrated. Whether you’re there for the music, the food, the comedy, or even to get married, Rifflandia 2025 promises an experience that’s as unique as it is unforgettable.
🌐 rifflandia.com
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