At least eight Cambridge grills will compete next month for bragging rights and $500 for charity in the “Smoke This” Rib Fest, the latest step into the spotlight by the new East Cambridge Business Association. (It was launched Jan. 12, making it a newcomer in comparison to the city’s other, venerable business associations.)

Tickets go on sale Wednesday for the Oct. 17 event, which will feature signature foods from Atwood’s Tavern, Bambara, East Side Bar and Grille, Formaggio Kitchen, Hungry Mother, Oleana, Pug’s Bar and Grill and Tupelo, according to Carl Fantasia, president of the association.

More restaurants may join in.

“The Rib Fest will be a culinary showdown pitting pit master against pit master for the title of the best ribs in town,” Fantasia said in a press release. “If barbecue isn’t your thing, don’t worry — there is still plenty of food and fun to be had.  Each team will be selling a dish of their own, showcasing their restaurant’s menu. This special event is a perfect opportunity to get a taste of the local fare in East Cambridge.”

The Rib Fest and street food fair, for which The East End House is to include entertainment for children, is set to take place on Cambridge Street between Fulkerson and Sixth streets. Tickets are $15 “to sample ribs from a growing list of teams” and to vote, Fantasia said. They can be bought by going to the association’s website and at Atwood’s Tavern, East Side Bar and Grille and Pug’s Bar and Grill.