BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Destination BBQ - ECPv6.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://destination-bbq.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Destination BBQ REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260228T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260228T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20201222T180356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T205703Z UID:10000081-1772236800-1772323199@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Carolina Smoke-N-Grass Festival (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:The annual Carolina Smoke-N-Grass Festival is put on by the Union County Coon Hunters Association of South Carolina. The festival will feature top teams from the South Carolina Barbecue Association (SCBA). \n\n\n\nAll barbecue can be sampled and quarts can be purchased from your favorite teams. Plates will also be served. \n\n\n\nA Show and Shine car show will feature classic and unique cars. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNearby Lodging\, Restaurants\, and More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather\n\n\n\nMONCKS CORNER WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/carolina-smoke-n-grass-festival/ LOCATION:Union County Fairgrounds\, 120 Kirby St\, Union\, SC\, 29379\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/South-Carolina-Barbeque-Association-and-the-SCBA-Judging-Seminar.jpg GEO:34.7276705;-81.6377138 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Union County Fairgrounds 120 Kirby St Union SC 29379 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=120 Kirby St:geo:-81.6377138,34.7276705 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20220324T164641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T230256Z UID:10000115-1772755200-1772927999@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Surfside Beach BBQ Festival DESCRIPTION:Best BBQ on the Beach\n\n\n\nThe annual Town of Surfside Beach Barbecue Festival brings some of the area’s best barbecue together in one spot. \n\n\n\nThe festival kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday with the “Anything but Barbecue” event\, featuring participating vendors’ top non-barbecue dishes. Vendors can cook and sell their “favorite” or “best” non-barbecue dish such as chicken wings\, chili\, or soup. \n\n\n\nThe first day’s festivities wrap up at 7 p.m. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe second day\, including the barbecue competition\, begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. \n\n\n\nSaturday’s events include craft and produce vendors lined up along Surfside Drive. Vendors can sell BBQ and any side items; fries\, onion rings\, chips\, slaw\, beans\, etc. \n\n\n\nThe Surfside Beach BBQ Festival is a “rain or shine” event. \n\n\n\nVendors will offer handmade jewelry and other crafts\, as well as local honey\, jams\, and baked goods. \n\n\n\nLive music will be on hand to entertain fest-goers. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nSURFSIDE BEACH WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/surfside-beach-bbq-festival/ LOCATION:Yaupon Parking Lot\, 10 S Yaupon Dr\, Surfside Beach\, SC\, 29575\, United States CATEGORIES:Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Surfside-Beach-Barbecue-Festival-Logo-1.jpg GEO:33.6087566;-78.9770378 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Yaupon Parking Lot 10 S Yaupon Dr Surfside Beach SC 29575 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=10 S Yaupon Dr:geo:-78.9770378,33.6087566 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T170000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20201218T180120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T225753Z UID:10000078-1772877600-1772902800@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Doko Ribfest In The Park (SBN) DESCRIPTION:Ribs Food Beer Music Fun\n\n\n\nThis is our annual Ribfest here in the park. In recent years\, the event has drawn about 60 teams cooking roughly 6\,000 pounds of ribs. \n\n\n\nWristbands let you sample ribs from any team. Whole racks and rib plates are also available. \n\n\n\nTeams typically set up Friday afternoon\, with ribs distributed early Saturday before the public gates open. \n\n\n\n\n\nWe will have live music playing all day with food trucks and other vendors\, too. Tickets and event updates are available through the Blythewood Chamber of Commerce website. \n\n\n\nEvent updates are shared on Facebook. Questions about the contest can be directed to the contest organizer (see email in the Event Info section). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo the Victor…\n\n\n\nRibfest features three competitive divisions\, with trophies presented to the winners. \n\n\n\nTotal prize money distributed per division as follows: \n\n\n\n\n20 professional teams – $3\,600.00\n\n\n\n30 amateur teams -$2\,700.00\n\n\n\n10 veteran teams – $900.00\n\n\n\n\nThe Rib Cook-Off competition will begin when ribs are distributed at 6:00 am to the contestants on the day of the event in the farmers market field. \n\n\n\n\n\nCompetitors will have until 1:00 pm to prepare their offerings. SBN judges typically begin judging around 1:00 p.m.\, with winners announced later in the afternoon. \n\n\n\nA fenced-in tented area (with tables\, seating\, and “stand-up” tables) will be provided in the farmers market field for judging and rib tasting. \n\n\n\nWristbands for personal tasting of the competing teams’ offerings are available. You may also purchase a full rack of ribs and/or rib plates (3 ribs\, coleslaw\, and barbecue beans). \n\n\n\n\n\nAmenities\n\n\n\nThe cook-off runs during the day\, and live music continues into the evening at Palmetto Citizens Amphitheater. \n\n\n\nThere will be food trucks\, specialty food\, and sweets vendors\, as well as activity vendors. Vendor spaces may also be available to qualifying local nonprofits at no fee. \n\n\n\nOf course\, there will be beer with an additional fenced-in VIP tented area (with tables\, seating\, and “stand-up” tables) to be provided adjacent to the amphitheater for the enjoyment of the entertainment provided as well as additional food and beverage consumption. \n\n\n\nProceeds support the Chamber economic development initiatives and scholarship programs with a portion to benefit local non-profits: The Big Red Barn Retreat. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nBLYTHEWOOD WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/doko-ribfest-in-the-park/ LOCATION:Doko Manor\, 100 Alvina Hagood Circle\, Blythewood\, SC\, 29016\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Doko-Rib-Fest-Blythewood.jpg GEO:34.217223;-80.9711336 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Doko Manor 100 Alvina Hagood Circle Blythewood SC 29016 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=100 Alvina Hagood Circle:geo:-80.9711336,34.217223 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260314T140000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20200126T021854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T210152Z UID:10000072-1773486000-1773496800@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:The Little Mountain Mid-Carolina Pigskin Cook-Off (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Fundraising is the Reason\n\n\n\nThe Town of Little Mountain and the Mid-Carolina High School football program will host the annual Little Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off. They will hold the cook-off in Reunion Park. \n\n\n\nMid-Carolina Head Coach Chris Arnoult decided to launch the event after having the success of hosting his own barbecue competitions previously. \n\n\n\nArnoult felt that bringing The Little Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off to Mid-Carolina would help benefit the MCHS football team. \n\n\n\n\n\n“The Little Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off is a fundraiser I started a couple of years ago in Chesterfield\,” Arnoult said. \n\n\n\n“I always felt like I was asking the kids to do things to raise money for the program so I wanted to kind of take the pressure off them a little bit.” \n\n\n\nFundraising is the lifeblood of many school programs across the US\, both for athletics and beyond. \n\n\n\nWithout the time and effort of fundraising — a common additional burden to students\, athletes\, and their parents — the funds simply would not come from anywhere else and those programs and efforts would suffer. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe Little Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off “will allow us to make improvements to our facilities\, purchase equipment for the guys\, purchase equipment for the weight room\, help with travel and feeding the guys\, buying Gatorade\,” Arnoult said. \n\n\n\n“Facility and equipment is a large portion of that.” \n\n\n\n\n\nLittle Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off Competition\n\n\n\nThe South Carolina Barbecue Association officially sanctioned the cook-off and will provide the judges. \n\n\n\nThey and the teams will arrive around lunchtime that Friday to set up and begin cooking into the next morning. As the host\, the Little Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off supplies the cookers with a case of Boston Butts. \n\n\n\nThat way all of the meats the cookers use are of equal quality. This provides equanimity\, eliminating a possible advantage for cookers who might otherwise splurge for prime cuts. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe cookers must turn in their entries by 10 a.m. Judges will award prizes to the top five finishers at 2 p.m. Judges score the entries based on presentation\, tenderness\, flavor\, and more. \n\n\n\nFirst place will receive a cash prize of $1\,500 and a trophy (and free entry into next year’s event). \n\n\n\nSecond place will receive a trophy and $1\,000. Third will receive a trophy and $500. Fourth place will receive a trophy. \n\n\n\nThe Little Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off will also host a People’s Choice Champion where the public will vote on their favorite barbecue\, That winner will receive a trophy and $250. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe Little Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off held rain or shine. Arnoult said when people buy a ticket\, they will be eligible to get a two-ounce sample of each team. \n\n\n\n“I just think it’s a unique way to raise some money for the program and give something enjoyable back to the community also\,” he said. \n\n\n\nCome out and support Mid-Carolina at The Little Mountain Pigskin Cook-Off! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nLITTLE MOUNTAIN WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/little-mountain-pigskin-cook-off-scba/ LOCATION:Little Mountain Park\, State Rd S-36-458\, Little Mountain\, SC\, 29075\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Little-Mountain-Pigskin-Cook-Off-1.jpg GEO:34.190254;-81.4167501 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Little Mountain Park State Rd S-36-458 Little Mountain SC 29075 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=State Rd S-36-458:geo:-81.4167501,34.190254 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260321T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20200126T162140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T211501Z UID:10000073-1773964800-1774137599@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Benefit BBQ for Boy Scouts (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:BBQ and Wings\n\n\n\nAre you a fan of barbecue and chicken wings? \n\n\n\nThen you don’t want to miss the Benefit BBQ for Boy Scouts at the Sumter County Fair Grounds\, hosted by the Pee Dee Area Council’s Henry Shelor District. \n\n\n\nThe Henry Shelor District consists of Sumter\, Lee\, and Clarendon counties. The Council will hold the event at the Fairgrounds Agricultural Building located at 700 West Liberty Street. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe Event\n\n\n\nDuring the two-day event\, patrons who buy 10 tickets for $10 can redeem them for chicken wings (drums and flats)\, hot dogs\, drinks\, and more at “Wing Ding” on Friday night or at the BBQ competition on Saturday. \n\n\n\nAdditional tickets are $1 each. Cook teams serve wings starting when the gates open Friday evening\, and the Wing Ding runs into the night. \n\n\n\nOn Saturday\, the gates open to the public at 11:00 a.m.  \n\n\n\n\n\nPatrons who purchase a wristband will be allowed to roam from station to station to sample BBQ. You will receive a 2-ounce serving of barbecue at each visit.  \n\n\n\nEach time\, you will present your wristband to the Boy Scout assigned to the station you approach. If you wish\, you may visit a station multiple times\, but you must have your wristband on to receive BBQ. \n\n\n\nIndeed\, you may roam from station to station on Saturday until closing or when the BBQ runs out.  For crowd flow\, late entry may be limited in the early afternoon. \n\n\n\n\n\nFor patrons looking to save money\, the Benefit BBQ for Boy Scouts organizers will sell a pass that admits the purchaser all weekend. \n\n\n\nIn short\, all the money raised will go toward funding programs for Cub and Boy Scouts in the Pee Dee Area Council\, which covers 11 counties in Eastern S.C. One of these programs is Camp Coker\, a summer camp in the state. \n\n\n\nOrganizers typically offer a weekend pass option that covers both days. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe Competition\n\n\n\nAs for the competition\, the contestants will present their boxed samples to the SCBA Judges in accordance with association rules. \n\n\n\nThe cookers will prepare the butts received from Henry Shelor District and must have their barbecue ready for public consumption no later than 11:00 a.m. Saturday. Patron samples come in two-ounce cups. \n\n\n\nAt 1 p.m.\, vendors will begin selling barbecue by the pound. The barbecue costs only $5 for a half-pound or $10 for a pound. \n\n\n\n\n\n“It’s $10 for all the barbecue you can sample\,” Glenn Button said. Button serves as the Henry Shelor District chairman and event chairman \n\n\n\nIn addition\, the Benefit BBQ for Boy Scouts will sponsor an optional ribs competition.  Contestants who wish to enter the optional ribs competition assume responsibility for providing their own ribs. \n\n\n\nEach of the participating cook teams oversees the management of the rib competition.  After judging\, participants in the rib event decide what to do with the ribs as they choose.   \n\n\n\nIn fact\, contestants in the rib competition may choose to sell their ribs on-premises to patrons that wish to purchase them. \n\n\n\n\n\nHowever\, each individual competitor determines their own prices and presentation of ribs for sale. Patrons are welcome to purchase ribs. \n\n\n\nAs part of the competition\, cook teams from around the state and beyond participates each year. In addition\, the event remains a South Carolina Barbeque Association-sanctioned event. \n\n\n\nAs a result\, the SCBA provides judges for the competitions and will determine the winner of the Benefit BBQ for Boy Scouts.  Prizes will be distributed at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. \n\n\n\n\n\nPrizes for the annual Benefit BBQ for Boy Scouts:\n\n\n\n\n$1\,000 BBQ First Place\n\n\n\n$750 BBQ Second Place\n\n\n\n$500 BBQ Third Place\n\n\n\n$250 BBQ Fourth Place\n\n\n\n$100 BBQ Fifth Place\n\n\n\n$250 Wings First Place\n\n\n\n$100 Wings Second Place\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBenefit BBQ for Boy Scouts Sponsors and Extras\n\n\n\nThe event also boasts many sponsors. Despite what many think\, it is virtually impossible to hold such an event without them. Sponsors are essential to the event. \n\n\n\n“I would like to thank all the sponsors\,” Button said. “It wouldn’t be possible without them.” \n\n\n\nVendors will be on hand\, selling water\, sodas\, peanuts\, kettle corn\, and funnel cakes. There will also be a Kona Ice truck selling snow cones. \n\n\n\n\n\n“We’ll also have a children’s activities area\,” Button said. “There will be games\, bounce houses\, and face painting.” \n\n\n\nButton wants patrons to remember what BSA is all about. This is reflected in its mission and goal: \n\n\n\n“The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe BSA’s goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship\, character development\, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities\, educational programs\, and at older age levels\, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.” \n\n\n\nTickets are typically sold online\, at the gate\, and through local Scouts. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nSUMTER WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/fourth-annual-benefit-bbq-for-boy-scouts/ LOCATION:Sumter County Fair Grounds\, 700 West Liberty Street\, Sumter\, SC\, 29154\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Annual-BBQ-Benefit-For-Boy-Scouts-Sumter-SC.jpg GEO:33.918502;-80.36282 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Sumter County Fair Grounds 700 West Liberty Street Sumter SC 29154 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=700 West Liberty Street:geo:-80.36282,33.918502 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260327T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20190204T003545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T211706Z UID:10000049-1774569600-1774742399@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:SMOKE AT THE LODGE (SBN) DESCRIPTION:What to Expect\n\n\n\nSmoke at the Lodge is an annual BBQ cook-off fundraiser. \n\n\n\nThe event features a “No Pork Friday” event where top Pitmasters in the area create a dish with no pork. \n\n\n\nTasting tickets are typically available for purchase. BBQ plates are typically sold to the public featuring championship-style BBQ from the cook-off. Proceeds help support the lodge’s charitable work in the community. \n\n\n\nIt’s a great way to sample BBQ and support the lodge’s local charity efforts. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nSUMMERVILLE WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/smoke-at-the-lodge-sbn/ LOCATION:Summerville Masonic Lodge\, 111 N Main St\, Summerville\, SC\, 29483\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2360635_orig.jpg GEO:33.0207828;-80.174145 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Summerville Masonic Lodge 111 N Main St Summerville SC 29483 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=111 N Main St:geo:-80.174145,33.0207828 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T140000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20220120T001806Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T211747Z UID:10000104-1774695600-1774706400@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Grillin’ at the Grove (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:An Annual Event\n\n\n\nWe are looking forward to our Annual Grillin’ at the Grove. The BBQ competition will be held at the Clemson RV Park Event Lawn and Paw Pavilion. This SCBA contest features a pork butt category plus a rib throwdown. \n\n\n\nWristbands are typically sold on site. This will allow you to walk around and sample each contestants BBQ. \n\n\n\nLive music will begin at 11 am Saturday and play until the winner is announced at 2 pm. \n\n\n\nWe will have drinks and a bounce house for the kids! Come camp and hang out for the weekend! \n\n\n\n\n\n\nOrganizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nPENDLETON WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/grillin-at-the-grove-scba/ LOCATION:Clemson RV Park\, 150 Dalton Drive\, Pendleton\, SC\, 29670\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Grillin-at-the-Grove-Logo.png GEO:34.6240474;-82.7859254 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clemson RV Park 150 Dalton Drive Pendleton SC 29670 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=150 Dalton Drive:geo:-82.7859254,34.6240474 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260328T180000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20230205T000146Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T180234Z UID:10000139-1774695600-1774720800@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Annual Blue and BBQ DESCRIPTION:Blue & BBQ is an annual fundraising benefit hosted by Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. The event pairs live music and BBQ with a Modern Cowboy theme\, plus hands-on ways to connect with the history the park preserves. \n\n\n\nGuests can expect an outdoor\, social atmosphere with music and dancing\, BBQ service\, and interactive experiences that often spotlight traditional skills and local history. Cowboy boots\, hats\, and a touch of blue are typically encouraged. \n\n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\n\nLive music and dancing (often with guided group instruction) \n\n\n\nBBQ and drinks that are typically bundled into admission (all-inclusive style) \n\n\n\nImmersive activities that may include demonstrations (such as blacksmithing) and archaeology-focused experiences tied to the site\n\n\n\nSponsor/table options may be offered for groups and supporters\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho it supports\n\n\n\nProceeds support Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park’s preservation and education work centered on Mitchelville\, widely recognized as the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States\, established in 1862. \n\n\n\n\n\nPlanning notes\n\n\n\n\nDress code: Modern Cowboy is typically encouraged\, especially something blue\n\n\n\nParking/shuttle: In some years\, organizers have offered shuttle options as part of event logistics\n\n\n\nGood to know: This is usually a ticketed benefit with limited capacity and sponsorship options\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOfficial event info and contact\n\n\n\n\nPhone: 843-255-7301\n\n\n\nSponsorship/tables contact: Joyce Wright\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Lodging for the Festival\n\n\n\nLodging options appear below. Availability and rates can vary\, so booking earlier is often helpful. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nHILTON HEAD ISLAND WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/annual-blue-and-bbq/ LOCATION:Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park\, 40 Harriet Tubman Way\, Hilton Head Island\, SC\, 29226\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image.png GEO:32.216316;-80.752608 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park 40 Harriet Tubman Way Hilton Head Island SC 29226 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=40 Harriet Tubman Way:geo:-80.752608,32.216316 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260410T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20200127T161050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T212159Z UID:10000075-1775779200-1775951999@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Hub City Hog Fest (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Taking Over\n\n\n\nDowntown Spartanburg transforms into a virtual hog heaven when Hub City Hog Fest takes over several roads around Morgan Square. \n\n\n\nHub City Hog Fest is a festival and barbecue contest that supports Mobile Meals of Spartanburg. In fact\, the City of Spartanburg blocks off those roads to provide space for the dozens of cook teams that compete in this annual BBQ competition. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe two-day-long event features an amazing collection of competition BBQ teams\, music performers\, and food vendors. The event runs from noon to 11 p.m. Friday and from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday. \n\n\n\nOn Friday\, entrance into the event from noon to 5 p.m. is FREE. After 5 p.m.\, wristbands must be purchased for $5 each. \n\n\n\nOn Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.\, $5 wristbands must be purchased. Children 10 and under are admitted free. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere will be chicken wing samples from the competition teams available from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday evening. The samples of the competition teams’ barbecue and ribs are only available from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday. \n\n\n\nVendors will be on site selling BBQ all weekend. Hog Bucks must be used to purchase food from vendors and to sample BBQ from competition teams (while supplies last). \n\n\n\n\n\nBeginnings\n\n\n\nGrey Wicker founded the event with his brother\, Cal\, in 2013. Wicker noted that they actually modeled Hub City Hog Fest after the Blue Ridge BBQ and Music Festival\, which ran for twenty-plus years in nearby Tryon\, N.C. \n\n\n\n“We were actually cooking at that event when we decided to do one in Spartanburg\,” Grey said. “I think more barbecue events around the state raise the level of excitement about all of them.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClearly\, The Hub City Hog Fest has shown similar success\, having become one of the things folks in Spartanburg look forward to as they put winter behind them. \n\n\n\n“Hub City Hog Fest brings a vibrant energy to our downtown every spring\,” said Johnson Development CEO Geordy Johnson. \n\n\n\n“Our team members love attending the festival for the camaraderie\, the food\, and the opportunity to make a difference for an important local nonprofit while enjoying both. We applaud the Hog Fest team for continuing to provide an exceptional downtown festival experience.” \n\n\n\n\n\nThe Competition\n\n\n\nHowever\, at the center of all the food and fun\, they’ve established a serious South Carolina Barbeque Association-sanctioned BBQ cook-off. \n\n\n\n“I think (the SCBA) considers our event one of their flagship events\,” Wicker said. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“It’s really big\, and it showcases a thriving downtown area\, which most events in the state do not. A lot of these barbecue competitions they hold out in fields\, which is great because there’s more room. But there’s nothing quite like the experience we offer here in Spartanburg.” \n\n\n\nThe competition part of The Hub City Hog Fest is organized and judged in accordance with the SCBA’s rules and regulations. \n\n\n\nThe SCBA also supplies highly-trained judges who assess each of the entries in a blind competition. \n\n\n\n\n\n“We’re very excited to get cracking again\,” said Grey Wicker. “Each year it seems we fill up with teams faster than we ever have. We have had three or four (teams) that have been here all along\, which shows loyalty.” \n\n\n\nCompetition categories include a chicken wing competition on Friday night\, and a barbecue cook-off on Saturday featuring butts\, ribs\, and brisket. Prizes are awarded to those placing the highest. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHub City Hog Fest Competitions & Prizes\n\n\n\nFRIDAY NIGHT WING COMPETITION\n\n\n\n\n1st Place Winner: $500\n\n\n\n2nd Place Winner: $300\n\n\n\n3rd Place Winner: $200\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBOSTON BUTTS AND RIBS COMPETITION\n\n\n\n\n1st Place Overall: $2\,000\n\n\n\n2nd Place Overall: $1\,500\n\n\n\n3rd Place Overall: $1\,000\n\n\n\n\nOverall champions accumulate the best combined scores from both categories. \n\n\n\nINDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES\n\n\n\n\n1st Place: $500\n\n\n\n2nd Place: $300\n\n\n\n3rd Place: $200\n\n\n\n\nIn addition\, there will be a side brisket competition. \n\n\n\n\nWhile supplies last\, Hub City Hog Fest patrons will be able to sample chicken wings cooked by competition teams from 6-8 p.m. on Friday and barbecue and ribs from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday. \n\n\n\n\nMore than Barbecue\n\n\n\nOf course\, festivalgoers don’t have to enjoy barbecue to have a good time. \n\n\n\nThe event also includes more than a half dozen regional food trucks\, which will be on-site throughout the weekend.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition\, festival organizers have plenty of activities scheduled. Activities include an artisan’s alley featuring wares from local vendors on Saturday and a full slate of music performers both days. \n\n\n\nAdmission to the Hub City Hog Fest costs $5 per day with free admission offered before 5 p.m. Friday and for children 10 and under at all times. \n\n\n\n“When you come into the festival\, you purchase a wristband. That allows you to buy ‘Hog Bucks\,’” Wicker said. \n\n\n\n“Hog Bucks can be used at food trucks to buy plates of food as a meal. The prices vary from truck to truck. You can also trade one Hog Buck for a sample of a cook team’s barbecue.” \n\n\n\nMoreover\, the Hub City Hog Fest is a family affair. It seems that kids enjoy it as much as adults. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“I think kids just have a blast at this event because they’ve been kind of cooped up in the winter. Then all of a sudden here’s all this energy downtown\,” Wicker said. \n\n\n\nHub City Hog Fest features a free children’s entertainment area with carnival rides\, bounce houses\, and more. Children age 10 and under get in free all weekend. \n\n\n\n\nSupport\n\n\n\nBut all of this fun wouldn’t happen without both effort and support. The Wickers work hard to build and maintain relationships in order to keep the Hog Fest moving ahead. Such a big event requires the help of many. \n\n\n\n“I think a lot of the success of the Hog Fest can be attributed to maintaining those relationships with the city\, our sponsors and the teams as we try to showcase Spartanburg in a good light.” \n\n\n\nAnd this bright light also helps a great organization shine in ways it could not without Hub City Hog Fest. \n\n\n\nAs mentioned above\, proceeds from the Hub City Hog Fest benefit Mobile Meals of Spartanburg. Its mission is to provide nutritious meals\, services\, and fellowship to frail and homebound citizens in Spartanburg County. \n\n\n\nMobile Meals of Spartanburg is a faith-based nonprofit that serves meals almost daily to about 2\,000 frail and homebound citizens in Spartanburg County. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“In just the first six years\, we donated a little bit over $317\,000 to Mobile Meals\,” Wicker said. Much more has been raised in the years since. \n\n\n\n“That’s a small amount compared to what they need\, but we’re very proud to be able to contribute to them year after year. Mobile Meals has always been very important to us\, and the work that they do in our community is staggering.” \n\n\n\nHub City Hog Fest on the News\n\n\n\nScene on 7 interviews Grey Wicker prior to a recent event: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re interested in keeping up with SC BBQ events throughout the year\, subscribe to our SC BBQ Events Calendar. \n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\nLodging options appear below. Availability and rates can vary\, so booking earlier is often helpful. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nSPARTANBURG WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/hub-city-hog-fest/ LOCATION:Morgan Square\, Downtown Spartanburg\, Morgan Square\, Spartanburg\, SC\, SC\, 29306\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/hubcityhogfest.png GEO:34.9497165;-81.9321686 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Morgan Square Downtown Spartanburg Morgan Square Spartanburg SC SC 29306 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Morgan Square:geo:-81.9321686,34.9497165 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260410T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20200203T214441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T212409Z UID:10000077-1775779200-1775951999@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee BBQ Festival (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Important Fundraiser\n\n\n\nThe annual Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee BBQ Festival takes place at the Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fairgrounds. The two-day event features competition-quality barbecue smoked by some of the Southeast’s best pitmasters. \n\n\n\nThe BBQ Cook-Off stands as one of the major fundraising opportunities allowing the Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee to continue to provide services to local children. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvents and Competitions\n\n\n\n\nFriday – Anything Butt Contest\, 5:00 – 7:00 pm\n\n\n\nSaturday – BBQ Cook-off\, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm\n\n\n\n\nThe event kicks off on Friday night. In the Anything Butt contest\, teams cook a dish that is not barbecue. Past entries have included wings\, shrimp and grits\, pineapple upside-down cake\, and banana pudding. \n\n\n\n\n\n“They could prepare their favorite dish of anything they wished\, except barbecue\,” noted Joey Edwards\, who serves as director of Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee. “They compete in two divisions in this competition: sweet and savory.” \n\n\n\nSouth Carolina Barbeque Association (SCBA) judges select winners for each division\, and the festival also includes an SCBA-sanctioned barbecue competition. \n\n\n\n\n\nMembers of the public can sample the barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Judges from the SCBA determine who takes home trophies and cash prizes. Trophies and cash prizes are awarded. \n\n\n\n“The Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee BBQ Festival is a South Carolina Barbeque Association-sanctioned event\,” Edwards said. “These people travel from event to event to earn points toward the state championship.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nImportant Info\n\n\n\nYouth Mentors of the Pee Dee invite the public to come out for both days. Festival-goers can purchase wristbands at the gates. They sell for $10 per person and allow wearers to enter and to eat. Palmetto Peddlers is on Hoffmeyer Road near the intersection with Darlington Street. \n\n\n\nChildren 12 and under accompanied by a paying adult get in free. The Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee offer activities like inflatables and face painting for the children. \n\n\n\n\n\nAll proceeds from the event will benefit Youth Mentors of the Pee Dee. \n\n\n\nYouth Mentors of the Pee Dee is a United Way organization with the mission to improve the lives of area youth through mentoring. Youth Mentors help fill the void in a child’s life when one or more of the child’s parents are absent. Volunteers typically spend two or three hours a week with their mentees. \n\n\n\n“We have about 300 clients\,” Edwards said. “We work with children from single-parent homes and pair them with a mentor with similar interest.” \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nFLORENCE WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/youth-mentors-of-the-pee-dee-bbq-festival/ LOCATION:Eastern Carolina Agricultural Fairgrounds\, 5226 E Palmetto St\, Florence\, SC\, 29506\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Youth-Mentors-of-the-Pee-Dee-BBQ-Festival-Logo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Joey Edwards":MAILTO:pdyouthmentors@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T160000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20240103T205231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T155045Z UID:10000173-1775908800-1775923200@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Southern Roots: A BBQ Reunion DESCRIPTION:A BBQ Reunion\n\n\n\nCome to Trailblazer Park this April for the annual Southern Roots – an all-inclusive BBQ fest in Travelers Rest\, SC! \n\n\n\nEnjoy delicious BBQ bites from some amazing local and guest pitmasters and chefs\, live music\, unlimited beverages\, artisan market\, great company and experience the joy of coming together as a community for an incredible cause – IDefine. \n\n\n\n\n\nPitmasters and chefs will be joining together as teams to each cook different BBQ dishes! These amazing menu items created by our talented chefs will be ALL-INCLUSIVE\, so you can eat and enjoy all day long! \n\n\n\nONE ticket price gets you FOUR hours of all the BBQ you can enjoy AND unlimited beverages! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorthwhile Cause\n\n\n\nGood company\, great food\, and an even better cause… \n\n\n\nWhile there is no better excuse to gather as a community than to break bread and enjoy a great meal\, the true reason everyone is here is for the nonprofit organization IDefine\, Inc. \n\n\n\nIDefine is a nonprofit organization that was created to help families and children with the rare genetic disorder\, Kleefstra Syndrome. With a commitment to identifying life-changing treatments and cures for those with intellectual disabilities stemming from rare genetic disorders\, IDefine also serves as a community and resource for families all over. \n\n\n\n\n\nAs the festival beneficiary\, IDefine has raised close to $100\,000 in the last two years\, helped fund a specialized clinic at Boston Children’s Hospital\, and supported the North American Family Conference that brought together over 75 families impacted by Kleefstra Syndrome. \n\n\n\nWith the ultimate goal of finding a cure\, support from Southern Roots helps further research into Kleefstra Syndrome and new technologies that may provide some answers for these children and their families. \n\n\n\nEveryone is invited to join together at Trailblazer Park and help push IDefine even closer to finding a cure. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nTRAVELERS REST WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/southern-roots-a-bbq-reunion-2/ LOCATION:Trailblazer Park\, 235 Trailblazer Drive\, Travelers Rest\, SC\, 29690\, United States CATEGORIES:Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Southern-Roots-BBQ-Reunion-Logo.jpg GEO:34.95593;-82.4419747 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Trailblazer Park 235 Trailblazer Drive Travelers Rest SC 29690 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=235 Trailblazer Drive:geo:-82.4419747,34.95593 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20240103T201506Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T032810Z UID:10000172-1776384000-1776556799@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Carolina BBQ Festival - Charlotte\, NC DESCRIPTION:Overview\n\n\n\nCelebrate the tradition of whole hog BBQ and so much more at the annual Carolina BBQ Festival\, with tastings from pitmasters and chefs from the Carolinas and beyond. \n\n\n\nCarolina BBQ Festival takes place at Victoria Yards and the adjacent parking lot in Uptown Charlotte\, NC\, in support of Operation BBQ Relief\, in partnership with Charlotte SHOUT. Festival tickets include tasting plates from participating pitmasters and chefs\, with the weekend designed for guests who want to come hungry and sample widely. \n\n\n\n\n\nFriday: The Kickoff ($35)\n\n\n\nFriday night runs 6:00–10:00 PM and celebrates all things Charlotte BBQ\, featuring tastings from local BBQ spots\, live music and a DJ\, and a chance to watch pits get set up for festival day. \n\n\n\nSaturday: The Festival (General Admission and VIP)\n\n\n\nSaturday delivers the full festival experience with tasting plates from over twenty pitmaster stations and a menu mix that can include whole hog\, brisket\, chicken\, hash & rice\, seafood\, and more. Guests can also expect local vendors and sponsor activations\, plus an on-site brick pit showcasing the heritage of whole hog cooking. Beer\, wine\, cocktails\, and non-alcoholic options are available for purchase. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBBQ for a Cause\n\n\n\nAs part of the festival’s BBQ for a Cause focus\, sponsors donate grills and BBQ-related tools and swag for an on-site raffle benefiting Operation BBQ Relief. The festival’s theme says it best: Divided by Sauce\, United by Coal. \n\n\n\n\n\nTicket Overview\n\n\n\nThe Kickoff: $35 (Friday • 6:00–10:00 PM)The Festival: General Admission: $75 (Saturday entry at 12:00 PM)The Festival: VIP: $125 (Saturday entry at 11:00 AM) Includes early entry\, access to the Swag Station\, a VIP area with oysters + champagne\, and a $10 merch voucher for Carolina BBQ Festival merch (voucher restrictions apply).Kids (ages 7–13): $25Kids 6 and under: Free with a selected ticket at checkout \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn More\n\n\n\nFind details at carolinabbqfest.org and @carolinabbqfestival on Instagram. Tickets are non-refundable\, and the event is rain or shine. \n\n\n\n\n\nFAQs\n\n\n\nWho are we fundraising for? Check out our Charities here Where do I park? Ample parking is available around Center City with differing prices. The closest parking is located at the 7th street station parking garage or the surface lot on the backside of the event – 8th and N. College.  You can find additional surrounding parking locations with Parkme here.  Or Park Mobile here. How do I enter? Entry will take place on 7th Street right across from the 7th Street Parking Garage beside of 7th Street Market Are animals allowed? No animals will be allowed inside the festival area except for service animals. Where should I stay if coming from out of town? Great News! We have secured a partnership with Homewood Suites by Hilton\, Charlotte Uptown First Ward. Right beside the festival venue and lot. There is also a map of accommodations included below. \n\n\n\n\nEvent Info\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nCHARLOTTE WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/carolina-bbq-festival/ LOCATION:Victoria Yards\, 209 East 7th Street\, Charlotte\, NC\, 28202\, United States CATEGORIES:Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cd8b8f216af40abf6727a1d22b2329d0.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20190204T004206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T212947Z UID:10000050-1776384000-1776556799@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:PORK IN THE PARK (SBN) DESCRIPTION:Food and Fun\n\n\n\nPork in the Park is a Southern Barbecue Network-sanctioned barbecue competition\, which brings a deep field of teams and serious judging to a community-friendly festival setting. \n\n\n\nExpect a mix of barbecue plates\, live music\, and a relaxed park atmosphere where you can grab a bite\, find a seat\, and listen for a while. \n\n\n\nFamilies are welcome\, with kids’ activities and inflatables helping keep the day easy for all ages. \n\n\n\n\n\nBBQ Competition\n\n\n\nThe competition is run under Southern Barbecue Network guidelines\, with certified judges scoring teams as they chase Grand Champion honors. \n\n\n\nCategories typically include chicken\, ribs\, and Boston butt\, giving teams multiple ways to separate themselves across the turn-ins. \n\n\n\n\n\nMusic and Family Activities\n\n\n\nLive music is part of the weekend’s rhythm\, making Pork in the Park as much about hanging out as it is about the trophies. \n\n\n\nAlongside the food and music\, you’ll usually find kid-friendly extras like inflatables and treats that fit the festival vibe.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBring your family out to feast on some of the best barbecue in the South!​ \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nNEWBERRY WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/pork-in-the-park-sbn/ LOCATION:Memorial Park\, 1207 McKibben Street\, Newberry\, SC\, 29108\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/20211228-logo_orig.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Bridget Carey":MAILTO:bcarey@cityofnewberry.com GEO:34.2809347;-81.601288 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Memorial Park 1207 McKibben Street Newberry SC 29108 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1207 McKibben Street:geo:-81.601288,34.2809347 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260425T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20190204T040925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T213417Z UID:10000053-1776988800-1777161599@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Come See Me BBQ Cook Off (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Delicious Offerings\n\n\n\nThe Come-See-Me Festival is Rock Hill’s annual salute to spring. Each year\, this ten-day festival\, which includes this BBQ cook-off\, brings over 80 events and activities to over 100\,000 attendees. \n\n\n\nLoaded with frogs\, music\, and fun\, the festival brings together friends\, neighbors\, and festival-lovers from all over the United States and the world. \n\n\n\nCome-See-Me is considered the largest\, all-volunteer festival in South Carolina. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nAward-Winning Festival\n\n\n\nAn award-winning festival\, Come-See-Me was named the 2016 South Carolina Event of the Year. It’s also ranked as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Spring Festivals for more than a decade. \n\n\n\nCome-See-Me debuted in the spring of 1962 as a community project to encourage tourists\, relatives\, and friends to visit Rock Hill during its most beautiful season. What started as a weekend event has grown in popularity and expanded to 10 days. \n\n\n\n\n\nCreated by C.H. “Icky” Albright\, a former Rock Hill Mayor and State Senator\, Come-See-Me also was nurtured by Rock Hill resident and nationally acclaimed illustrator Vernon Grant. \n\n\n\nGrant created Kellogg’s® celebrated gnomes\, Snap\, Crackle\, and Pop®.  He also created the Come-See-Me Festival’s mascot\, Glen the Frog®\, of which Grant designed more than 30 different styles. \n\n\n\nEach year the festival chair selects a new logo and updates its design and colors. \n\n\n\nBe sure to visit the historic\, award-winning Glencairn Garden\, created by Dr. David A. Bigger to experience the beauty and spirit of where the Come-See-Me Festival was born. \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the BBQ\n\n\n\n“The barbecue portion of the event is really set up over two days\,” said event organizer Ross Lawson. “Anything But Butts/Moonlight Jazz is on Friday night. The teams make their own samples and are purchased with tickets bought from us for a dollar each.” \n\n\n\nFor $1 each\, you may sample Barbeque Cook-Off competitors’ dishes ranging in years past from gumbo to barbeque chicken to desserts. Celebrity judges will sample entries and pick a winner prior to sales to the public. \n\n\n\nVote for your favorite entry to receive the People’s Choice award. \n\n\n\n\n\n“We have Come See Me affiliated sponsor judges judge their creations. We also tally the tickets at the end of the night as a Peoples Choice Award where the winner gets free registration to next year’s event\,” Lawson shared. \n\n\n\nThe following day\, the big event takes the stage. \n\n\n\n“As for the actual BBQ cookoff\, the teams are given 3 butts Friday afternoon at 5PM and they cook through the night. Saturday morning we welcome in the SCBA judges to judge the teams BBQ. \n\n\n\n\n\n“Cash prizes and trophies are awarded. The remaining meat is collected and we sell it by the pound at the Tailgate Party/Fireworks from 3 pm till we run out.” \n\n\n\nPrizes presented at 1 pm on Saturday. \n\n\n\nThis event would not be possible if not for an army of volunteers and the help generous sponsors. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nROCK HILL WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/come-see-me-bbq-cook-off/ LOCATION:Winthrop Lake\, 162 Eden Terrace\, Rock Hill\, SC\, 29732\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2018-Come-See-Me-BBQ-Cook-Off-Rock-Hill-SC.png ORGANIZER;CN="Jim Armour":MAILTO:comeseeme@comporium.net GEO:34.9590551;-81.0005124 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Winthrop Lake 162 Eden Terrace Rock Hill SC 29732 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=162 Eden Terrace:geo:-81.0005124,34.9590551 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20230214T195657Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T214858Z UID:10000145-1777719600-1777728600@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Pickin' and Piggin' at the Park (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Savor the Flavor\n\n\n\nA world-class barbecue cook-off at Saluda Shoals Park! \n\n\n\nSavor the flavor of the award-winning “Q” from more than 20 of South Carolina’s best barbecue cookers. All-you-can-eat barbecue tasting is from 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or until it runs out.  \n\n\n\n\nAll Ages\n\n\n\nBeer will be available for purchase at the event. IDs are required.\n\n\n\nLive music \n\n\n\n$18/adult (13 & up)\n\n\n\n$5/child (12 and under)\n\n\n\n\nAdvance ticket sales through the day before the event. Day of tickets can be purchased at the event. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout\n\n\n\nPickin’ and Piggin’ at the Park is an annual festival that takes place in the Irmo and Chapin areas of South Carolina. The festival is held at Saluda Shoals Park\, a 400-acre park located along the banks of the Saluda River. \n\n\n\nAs the name suggests\, the festival features live bluegrass music and plenty of delicious barbecue. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities\, including a barbecue cook-off\, a craft beer garden\, and a petting zoo for children. \n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition to the food and entertainment\, Pickin’ and Piggin’ at the Park also offers a range of outdoor recreational activities\, such as canoeing and kayaking\, hiking and biking trails\, and fishing. \n\n\n\nOverall\, Pickin’ and Piggin’ at the Park is a fun-filled event that celebrates the local community\, culture\, and natural beauty of South Carolina. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSaluda Shoals Park\n\n\n\nSaluda Shoals Park is nestled along the banks of the Saluda River. It is operated by the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. \n\n\n\nThe park features several miles of paved and unpaved trails that are ideal for hiking\, running\, and biking. The trails wind through lush forests and open fields\, offering scenic views of the Saluda River and its surrounding landscapes. \n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition to the trails\, Saluda Shoals Park also offers a range of recreational facilities\, including picnic shelters\, playgrounds\, and a splash pad for children. There are also several athletic fields\, tennis courts\, and a disc golf course for visitors to enjoy. \n\n\n\nFor water enthusiasts\, the park provides access to the Saluda River\, where visitors can go kayaking\, canoeing\, and fishing. The park also has a boat ramp and a dock for those who want to bring their own boats. \n\n\n\nOverall\, Saluda Shoals Park is a beautiful and well-maintained park that offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLodging\, Dining\, and More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nCOLUMBIA WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/pickin-and-piggin-at-the-park-scba/ LOCATION:Saluda Shoals Park\, 5605 Bush River Rd\, Columbia\, SC\, 29212\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Pickin-and-Piggin-Saluda-Shoals-Logo.jpg GEO:34.0511199;-81.1830549 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Saluda Shoals Park 5605 Bush River Rd Columbia SC 29212 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=5605 Bush River Rd:geo:-81.1830549,34.0511199 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260508T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260509T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183406 CREATED:20190204T005044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T213615Z UID:10000051-1778198400-1778371199@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Hog on the Hill (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Hog on the Hill BBQ Cook-Off overview\n\n\n\nHog on the Hill is an annual barbecue cook-off in Chester that brings together South Carolina Barbeque Association (SCBA) teams and local cooks for a weekend built around smoked pork\, friendly competition\, and a community crowd. It is typically held the first weekend in May and is organized by the Chester Downtown Development Association. \n\n\n\n\n\nWhat attendees can expect\n\n\n\nThe event is designed as a downtown-style barbecue gathering where visitors can sample competition barbecue\, listen to live music\, and enjoy family-friendly activities. A kids area and additional attractions are often part of the setup\, making it an easy outing for groups who want food\, entertainment\, and a relaxed outdoor vibe. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBarbecue competitions and categories\n\n\n\nHog on the Hill centers on two main competitive tracks that tend to shape the weekend: \n\n\n\n\nSCBA-sanctioned barbecue cook-off (the main event on Saturday)\n\n\n\n“Anything Butt” competition\, held Friday night\, featuring entries that are not pork shoulder or Boston butt \n\n\n\n\nWinners are typically announced on Saturday afternoon.  \n\n\n\n\n\nHow public tasting typically works\n\n\n\nPublic sampling is usually ticket-based. Cook teams provide small samples to attendees in exchange for tickets purchased at the information booth. This setup lets visitors try barbecue from multiple teams in one stop\, then circle back to favorites before the day wraps up. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMusic\, kid-friendly activities\, and the overall vibe\n\n\n\nIn addition to barbecue\, Hog on the Hill includes live music and a designated kids area. Many attendees treat it like a picnic\, bringing a blanket and settling in to eat\, listen\, and people-watch between tasting rounds. \n\n\n\n\n\nOther happenings nearby\n\n\n\nIn some years\, Hog on the Hill weekend has paired well with other downtown events\, including Chester’s Downhill Derby on Gadsden Street (hosted by the Chester Rotary)\, giving visitors another reason to make a full day of it. (This is often scheduled separately\, so it is best treated as a “may also be happening” bonus rather than a guarantee.) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBringing barbecue home\n\n\n\nFor visitors who want more than samples\, the event often offers a way to purchase barbecue to take home before leaving\, which is a good option for anyone who wants to keep the cook-off flavors going after the weekend. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArea Lodging\, Dining\, and More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nCHESTER WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/hog-on-the-hill/ LOCATION:Downtown Chester\, 100 Cadz Street\, Chester\, SC\, 29706\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Screen-Shot-2018-03-20-at-7.48.21-PM.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Jamey Wooten":MAILTO:CDDAinfo@yahoo.com GEO:34.703648;-81.2111344 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Downtown Chester 100 Cadz Street Chester SC 29706 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=100 Cadz Street:geo:-81.2111344,34.703648 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260515T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20190203T164004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T213956Z UID:10000045-1778803200-1778975999@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Pig in the Park (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Pig In Park Festival!\n\n\n\nAttention BBQ lovers! The annual Pig in the Park Barbecue Festival and Cookoff is just around the corner\, and it promises to be an event that you won’t want to miss. \n\n\n\nAs always\, the festival will be held on both Friday and Saturday in Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park. \n\n\n\nFriday’s activities kick off at 12 noon and run until 9 p.m. There will be plenty of delicious barbecue and food sales to sample from\, as well as craft vendors and a children’s play area. \n\n\n\nSaturday’s festivities begin at 10 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. You can expect more food sales\, craft and sales vendors\, a children’s play area\, and live entertainment. \n\n\n\nThe judging of the BBQ competition will begin at 10 a.m.\, with the presentation of BBQ Championship Awards at 2:30 p.m. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSample It All\n\n\n\nFor those looking to sample a little bit of everything\, the Williamston Masonic Lodge will be selling wristbands for all-you-can-eat barbecue samples starting on Saturday morning. \n\n\n\nFor just $10\, you can get a two-ounce sample of barbecue from each competitor at their location\, and it will continue as long as the barbecue lasts. \n\n\n\nBut remember\, no samples will be given out without a wristband. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s more\, this is a charity event. Net proceeds support local community causes\, often including organizations such as the Christian Learning Center\, Operation Care\, and the Williamston Masonic Lodge. \n\n\n\nIf you’re planning on attending the festival\, be prepared for some mouth-watering BBQ and lots of fun. \n\n\n\nRemember to check the forecast and dress appropriately\, bring sunscreen and hats\, and stay hydrated. And if you plan on staying overnight\, be sure to book your accommodations in advance. \n\n\n\nThis is the perfect event for anyone who loves good food and supporting a great cause. So mark your calendars and come on down to the Pig in the Park Festival in Williamston\, SC. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule of Events\n\n\n\nFriday \n\n\n\n\n12 Noon – 9 PM – BBQ & Food Sales\, Craft/Sales Vendors & Children’s Play Area\n\n\n\n\nSaturday \n\n\n\n\n10 AM – 6 PM – Food sales\, craft vendors\, a children’s area\, and live music\n\n\n\n10 AM – Judging of BBQ Begins\n\n\n\n2:30 PM – Presentation of BBQ Championship Awards\n\n\n\n11:00 am – 6 PM (or until gone) – Wristband sampling available while barbecue lasts (wristband required)\n\n\n\n\nBring a lawn chair and enjoy a fun-filled day of entertainment\, food\, and good family fun. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLodging\, Dining\, and More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nWILLIAMSTON WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/pig-in-the-park/ LOCATION:Mineral Spring Park\, 121 West Main Street\, Williamston\, SC\, 29697\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/PigintheParkWilliamston.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="W. L. Cantrell":MAILTO:piginthepark2010@bellsouth.net GEO:34.617478;-82.4801113 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Mineral Spring Park 121 West Main Street Williamston SC 29697 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=121 West Main Street:geo:-82.4801113,34.617478 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20251218T204204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T214752Z UID:10000193-1778889600-1778975999@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Speed & Feed BBQ Festival (KCBS) DESCRIPTION:Darlington Raceway’s Speed & Feed BBQ Festival blends two South Carolina favorites in one place: championship barbecue and car culture\, all set against the backdrop of “The Track Too Tough To Tame.” \n\n\n\nThe festival returned after a multi-year break and is built as a full-day outing with a sanctioned BBQ contest\, a judged car show\, vendors\, and plenty for families to do.  \n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\nVisitors can plan on a lively\, walk-around festival atmosphere with barbecue sampling\, classic vehicles on display\, and shopping from a mix of craft and merchandise vendors. Alongside the headline attractions\, organizers have also featured automotive swap-meet style vendors\, kids activities and rides\, plus food trucks and refreshments.  \n\n\n\nFestival-goers can purchase BBQ Bucks ($1 each or 12 for $10) to sample and vote in the People’s Choice tasting. A minimum of 10 BBQ Bucks is required to receive a ballot. Premium parking options in the infield will be available \n\n\n\n\n\nKCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition\n\n\n\nSpeed & Feed includes a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned cook-off that draws teams from inside and outside the region. The contest follows four core categories: chicken\, pork ribs\, pork\, and brisket\, with points building toward an overall Grand Champion.  \n\n\n\n\n\nPeople’s Choice tasting\n\n\n\nIn addition to the judged competition\, the festival has offered a People’s Choice tasting where attendees sample entries and vote using “BBQ Bucks.” A minimum number of BBQ Bucks is required to receive a ballot.  \n\n\n\n\n\nCar show and awards\n\n\n\nThe on-site car show is a major part of the day\, featuring an open field of vehicles competing for trophies and prizes. Awards have been presented across judged categories including Body & Paint\, Interior\, Engine Compartment\, Trunk\, and Tires/Wheels/Hubcaps\, plus an overall Best in Show honor.  \n\n\n\n\n\nHow to participate\n\n\n\nDarlington Raceway coordinates interest and registration for BBQ teams\, car show entrants\, and vendors through the official event page. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nDARLINGTON WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/speed-feed-bbq-festival/ LOCATION:Darlington Raceway\, 1301 Harry Byrd Hwy\, Darlington\, SC\, 29532\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DAR_SpeedFeedArticle-e1766092129215.jpg GEO:34.2973233;-79.9051456 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Darlington Raceway 1301 Harry Byrd Hwy Darlington SC 29532 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1301 Harry Byrd Hwy:geo:-79.9051456,34.2973233 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20211004T231100Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T215917Z UID:10000093-1780617600-1780790399@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Edisto Beach Cookin' On The Creek BBQ Festival (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Wings and Que\n\n\n\nCome to the island for the annual Cookin’ on the Creek BBQ Festival at the Bay Creek Park in Edisto Beach.   \n\n\n\nThe Cookin’ on the Creek BBQ competition starts Friday at Bay Creek Park with a Wing Night. Saturday is all about the BBQ! \n\n\n\n\nPhoto courtesy of Town of Edisto Beach.\n\n\n\n\nFriday night the BBQ Teams will be cooking the tastiest wings around. Gates open at 6:00 PM. \n\n\n\nSaturday is all about competition BBQ. Cook teams from all across S.C. will be smoking and grilling Boston butt for all to taste on Saturday. \n\n\n\nGates open at 11:00 AM Saturday. BBQ tastings will be available from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM (or until it runs out). Awards presented at 3:00 PM. \n\n\n\n\nPhoto courtesy of Town of Edisto Beach.\n\n\n\n\nCold beer\, wine\, food\, and snacks will be available\, as well as live music both days. \n\n\n\nBring a lawn chair and enjoy the festival with great food\, great music\, and fantastic wings and BBQ. \n\n\n\n\nPhoto courtesy of Town of Edisto Beach.\n\n\n\n\nCost to Attend\n\n\n\nFriday admission is $5.  Friday features Wing Night with live music\, plus food and beverage tickets available for purchase. \n\n\n\nSaturday is FREE admission. Children are welcome\, and food and beverage tickets will be available to purchase.  Saturday will also offer a cornhole competition while BBQ is being sampled. \n\n\n\nNo refunds. Rain or shine event. \n\n\n\n\n\nAll proceeds benefit Bay Creek Park. This is a South Carolina BBQ Association (SCBA) Sanctioned event. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss out on the best festival in Edisto. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay (and more)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nEDISTO BEACH SC URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/edisto-beach-cookin-on-the-creek/ LOCATION:Bay Creek Park\, 3706 Docksite Road\, Edisto Beach\, SC\, 29438\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Cookin-on-the-Creek-BBQ-Logo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Phyllis McElveen":MAILTO:pmcelveen@townofedistobeach.com GEO:32.493415;-80.339871 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bay Creek Park 3706 Docksite Road Edisto Beach SC 29438 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3706 Docksite Road:geo:-80.339871,32.493415 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T140000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20231128T211130Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T220749Z UID:10000168-1781953200-1781964000@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Tamassee DAR BBQ Cook-Off (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Tamassee DAR School’s Charity BBQ Cook-Off is a family-friendly fundraiser that pairs great barbecue with a laid-back afternoon on the school’s historic campus. \n\n\n\nGuests come for plates of barbecue and “all the trimmings\,” then stick around for music\, kids’ activities\, and a community cruise-in style car gathering. Proceeds support Tamassee DAR School\, a 501(c)(3) organization serving children and families through recovery- and education-focused programs. \n\n\n\n\nWhen and where it’s held\n\n\n\nThe cook-off is typically held on a Saturday\, with public food service running late morning through early afternoon. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect as an attendee\n\n\n\nThis event is designed to be easy for families and groups: \n\n\n\n\nBarbecue plates sold to the public (with sides)\n\n\n\nLive music as a backdrop for the afternoon\n\n\n\nFamily-friendly extras that often include inflatables or a bounce house\, face painting\, and a playground area\n\n\n\nA car cruise-in component\n\n\n\nDoor prizes and other small on-site surprises\n\n\n\nKid-focused activities such as guided horseback rides are sometimes part of the day’s lineup\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe barbecue and how it’s served\n\n\n\nBarbecue sales to the general public typically begin at 11 a.m.\, and guests can plan to eat on-site and enjoy the campus atmosphere\, or grab plates to go. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe cook-off and competition side\n\n\n\nAlongside public tasting and plate sales\, the event includes a judged cook-off component that draws competitive teams. In recent years it has been promoted as a South Carolina Barbeque Association (SCBA) event\, with turn-ins and awards timed around the public portion of the day. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy it matters\n\n\n\nThe cook-off supports Tamassee DAR School’s mission-driven work with children and families\, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s programs. \n\n\n\nSponsorship and community support\n\n\n\nLocal businesses and community partners can support the event through sponsorships. Sponsorship information is handled through Tamassee DAR School’s development contacts.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nTAMASSEE WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/tamassee-dar-bbq-cook-off/ LOCATION:Tamassee DAR School\, 1925 Bumgardner Dr.\, Tamassee\, SC\, 29686\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BBQ-Logo-Transparent.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260709T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260711T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20190205T033553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T220921Z UID:10000058-1783555200-1783814399@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:SC Festival of Discovery (KCBS) DESCRIPTION:Annual Tradition\n\n\n\n“Each year\, the SC Festival of Discovery brings a taste of Southern hospitality to Greenwood\, South Carolina. It’s a celebration of our community and the unique culture and heritage that make our city special\,” said Kelly McWhorter\, executive director for Discover Greenwood. \n\n\n\nThe SC Festival of Discovery\, an annual tradition in Greenwood\, has been drawing visitors from around the region for over 20 years. \n\n\n\nThe festival got its start in 2000 as a way to showcase the city’s barbecue heritage\, and it has since grown to become a major event in the state. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGood Food\n\n\n\n“If you love good barbecue and good music\, you don’t want to miss the South Carolina Festival of Discovery! This is an annual event that we always look forward to attending. It’s well-organized and always a lot of fun\,” wrote one reviewer on Tripadvisor. \n\n\n\nOver 90 teams will be competing in the state BBQ championship through the Kansas City Barbeque Society\, and festival-goers can sample all types of barbecue and vote for their favorite in the People’s Choice competition. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGood Music\n\n\n\nThe festival will also feature live music and a variety of food and craft vendors\, and the streets of Uptown Greenwood will be closed to traffic to make the festival walkable and safe for pedestrians. \n\n\n\nAccording to McWhorter\, the festival is not only a fun-filled event but also a major economic driver for Greenwood. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nValuable Impact\n\n\n\nShe estimates that it brings an economic impact of over $2.6 million through visitors\, vendors\, hotels\, and restaurants. \n\n\n\n“We want people to see how wonderful Greenwood is during this time of year\,” said McWhorter. “There is no parking fee\, there’s no gate fee for this event\, and we really do it as a tribute to our community.” \n\n\n\n\n\nFor a safe\, family-friendly atmosphere\, attendees can expect a visible law enforcement presence during festival hours. Festival entry rules may restrict certain items\, especially in areas where alcohol is served. \n\n\n\nThe SC Festival of Discovery is a testament to the city’s barbecue heritage and Southern hospitality\, and it’s an event that continues to attract visitors year after year. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLodging\, Dining\, and More\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nGREENWOOD WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/sc-festival-of-discovery-kcbs/ LOCATION:Main Street Greenwood\, 120 Main St\, Greenwood\, SC\, 29648\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SC-Festival-of-Discovery-Logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260822T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20240605T190634Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T220948Z UID:10000178-1787418000-1787432400@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Barbecue at The Farm at Ridgeway DESCRIPTION:Event Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nRIDGEWAY WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/barbecue-at-the-farm-at-ridgeway/ LOCATION:The Farm at Ridgeway\, 3248 US-21\, Ridgeway\, SC\, 29130\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/515492093_10161683233223437_1583368015858110428_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Phil Frye":MAILTO:peedeephil@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T133000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20250603T184513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T214613Z UID:10000184-1788606000-1788615000@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Pork & Piggin' BBQ Cook-Off (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Pork & Piggin’ is a public barbecue cook-off at H. Cooper Black Jr. Recreation Area in Cheraw\, South Carolina\, featuring South Carolina Barbecue Association (SCBA) teams competing in a pork butt only contest. For spectators\, the appeal is getting up close to the process: teams setting up\, trimming and seasoning meat\, managing cookers\, and staying busy as turn-in time gets closer. \n\n\n\nWhile SCBA judging happens behind the scenes\, the action on the grounds is easy to follow. Attendees can walk the cook sites\, watch teams work\, and then stick around for the awards\, when prize money and trophies are presented. \n\n\n\n\nSince this is an outdoor recreation-area setting\, it helps to keep an eye on the weather but plan for a casual day outside. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea\, and bringing a chair can make it easier to settle in while waiting for awards. \n\n\n\n\nPork & Piggin’ includes both professional and backyard divisions\, and the field is capped\, which keeps the event manageable for teams and enjoyable for spectators. \n\n\n\nFor cook teams: team spaces include an approximately 30 x 30 area with electricity included\, with additional power available for a fee. Team entry options include professional and backyard\, with an optional ribs add-on. \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nCHERAW WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/pork-piggin-bbq-cook-off-scba/ LOCATION:H. Cooper Black Jr. Recreation Area\, 279 Sporting Dog Trail\, Cheraw\, SC\, 29520\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-03-at-2.43.30-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260918T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20201222T153730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T221533Z UID:10000080-1789689600-1789862399@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:The Griller's Cup (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Life’s a Beach\n\n\n\nEach year\, Lakewood Camping Resort in Myrtle Beach\, S.C. hosts The Griller’s Cup\, an annual barbecue competition and festival. \n\n\n\nThe South Carolina Barbecue Association (SCBA) sanctions the event. As such\, they provide judges and guidelines for the competition.   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s Happening at The Griller’s Cup\n\n\n\nThe two-day event includes: \n\n\n\n\nA Friday evening chicken-wing tasting competition\, judged by a panel of local guests\, with tasting opportunities for the public.\n\n\n\nA BBQ (pork butt) cooking competition is judged on Saturday morning. Afterward\, the event opens to the public for tastings.\n\n\n\nAn awards ceremony on Saturday at the Band Stage\, where the SCBA announces the winners.\n\n\n\nLive music and entertainment\, a variety of vendors\, and a silent auction tent with donated prizes. Kids activities may include bounce houses and face painting.\n\n\n\nEntry to the event is free and open to the public. \n\n\n\nTasting passes are sold on-site and typically cover multiple meat samples. Additional tickets or add-ons may be available for sides and drinks.\n\n\n\nThe general public can visit the Lakewood tent to purchase $5 splash passes. These passes allow them to use all of the campground amenities\, including their Water Park\, throughout the day!\n\n\n\nBackpack Buddies will be offering a 50/50 raffle as well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor a Good Cause\n\n\n\nAll proceeds from the cook-off will once again benefit local nonprofit Backpack Buddies of Horry County. \n\n\n\n“For the past [several] years\, we have held our annual Griller’s Cup BBQ cook-off to help raise money for Backpack Buddies of Horry County\,” said Blayne Perry\, co-owner of Lakewood Camping Resort. The Griller’s Cup is one of our favorite ways to bring our community together for fun and philanthropy. We are proud to say every single dollar raised goes directly to Backpack Buddies.” \n\n\n\nOrganizers say the cook-off benefits Backpack Buddies of Horry County\, with proceeds supporting students with food and basic-needs assistance. In recent years\, the event has raised significant funds for the organization. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBackpack Buddies of Horry County is a volunteer-run nonprofit that supports local students with resources that help them stay ready to learn. \n\n\n\nLakewood Camping Resort is active in the Grand Strand community and supports a wide range of local schools and nonprofits. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nMYRTLE BEACH WEATHER\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay (and more) URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/2nd-annual-grillers-cup/ LOCATION:Lakewood Camping Resort\, 5901 South Kings Hwy\, Myrtle Beach\, SC\, 29575\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Grillers-Cup-Logo-Lakewood-Campground-Myrtle-Beach.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Jessica Stevens":MAILTO:adminasst@lakewoodcampground.com GEO:33.6302748;-78.9612525 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Lakewood Camping Resort 5901 South Kings Hwy Myrtle Beach SC 29575 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=5901 South Kings Hwy:geo:-78.9612525,33.6302748 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260919T210000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20240417T212300Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T221332Z UID:10000155-1789817400-1789851600@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival DESCRIPTION:Savor the Sounds and Tastes of Fall at the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival\n\n\n\nThe Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival is back and bigger than ever! Get out of the house and join us for funky blues\, tasty BBQ\, and tons of fun in Downtown Blue Ridge. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp\, the quaint town of Blue Ridge\, Georgia\, prepares to host its annual Blues and BBQ Festival. \n\n\n\nThe festival is a celebration of the rich culinary and musical traditions of the region\, offering attendees a chance to indulge in mouth-watering BBQ delights and soulful blues music. \n\n\n\n\nThe Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival is more than just a fun-filled day; it’s an event with a cause. A portion of the net proceeds from the festival will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of North Georgia\, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and teens in Pickens\, Gilmer\, and Fannin Counties. \n\n\n\n\nTreat Yourself\n\n\n\nBy attending the festival\, you’re not only treating yourself to a day of great food and music\, but you’re also contributing to a worthy cause. \n\n\n\nThe festival is a gastronomic delight\, with over a dozen local and regional vendors serving up their BBQ-style culinary masterpieces. Whether you’re a fan of smoky ribs\, succulent pulled pork\, or tangy BBQ chicken\, there’s something to satisfy every palate. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo complement the food\, a selection of beverages\, including Coca-Cola soft drinks\, cold beer\, and wine\, will be available. \n\n\n\nThe musical lineup for the festival is always impressive\, featuring a range of blues bands that promise to keep the crowd entertained from noon until 9 PM. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMusic and More\n\n\n\nLive blues music runs throughout the afternoon and evening\, with multiple acts scheduled across the day. \n\n\n\nThe festival kicks off with a series of pre-events\, including a free food and beverage party at the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce on Friday\, and a fully catered Train Ride & Block Party on Saturday. \n\n\n\n\n\nParking\n\n\n\nThe festival grounds are conveniently located in downtown Blue Ridge\, with parking available throughout the area. The schedule is organized into several sets\, playing from early afternoon through the evening. \n\n\n\nTo accommodate the popularity of the event\, additional parking locations have been added this year at the Fannin County Middle School and the Fannin County Farmers Market. A complimentary shuttle service will be available to transport attendees to and from the festival. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpirit\n\n\n\nThe Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival is a testament to the vibrant community spirit of Blue Ridge. It’s an event that brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate the best of what the region has to offer. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re a food enthusiast\, a blues music lover\, or someone looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend a day\, the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival is an event worth attending. \n\n\n\nSo\, mark your calendars\, and prepare to immerse yourself in a day of great food\, soulful music\, and community spirit. \n\n\n\n\n\nFAQs\n\n\n\nQ: Where is the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival located? \n\n\n\nA: The festival is located in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge. You can use the following address for GPS: 400 W Main St\, Blue Ridge\, GA 30513 \n\n\n\nQ: How much are tickets? \n\n\n\nA: Tickets are $20. Children 12 & under get in FREE! \n\n\n\nQ: Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? \n\n\n\nA: No\, you may still purchase tickets at the gate if you would like to do so. Cash and cards are accepted at the gates. However\, purchasing in advance is a good choice: get them on Eventbrite. \n\n\n\nQ: Is there anything else I need to know about tickets? \n\n\n\nA: Each attendee must have their own personal ticket and barcode. If you purchase multiple tickets\, make sure your friends have their own tickets should you arrive separately. \n\n\n\nQ: Will there be ATMs on festival grounds? \n\n\n\nA: Yes\, ATMs will be on site. It’s best to have cash for vendor purchases\, as not all of them accept cards. \n\n\n\nQ: Is there parking for this event? \n\n\n\nA: Yes\, there is free parking throughout Downtown Blue Ridge. We recommend arriving early to secure a good spot! There are also paid options within walking distance of the festival. \n\n\n\nQ: What items can I bring into the festival? \n\n\n\nA: Lawn chairs\, blankets\, sunscreen\, your dancin’ shoes\, and a big appetite! \n\n\n\nQ: What items can I NOT bring into the festival? \n\n\n\nA: No dogs\, no coolers\, no outside food or drink. \n\n\n\nQ: When does the festival start and end? \n\n\n\nA: Gates open at 11:30 AM. The music begins at 12:00 PM. The festival will end around 9 PM. \n\n\n\nQ: Is there anything for kids to do? \n\n\n\nA: Most definitely! Returning once again is our legendary Kids Korner sponsored by Boys & Girls Club of North Georgia. Children 12 & under can play for free. Kids over 12 can play for $5 and will receive a special bracelet that will allow them to enjoy the inflatable rides all day\, while inside the festival grounds. \n\n\n\nQ: Do you have a website? \n\n\n\nA: Yes! You can learn more about this year’s festival at https://blueridgebluesandbbq.com/ \n\n\n\nQ: Is there lodging nearby? \n\n\n\nA: Yes! Blue Ridge is known for its amazing array of cabin rentals. For the best Blues & BBQ experience\, we recommend coming up for the whole weekend and staying at one of the many vacation rentals available. \n\n\n\nQ: Where can I get updates about this year’s festival? \n\n\n\nA: The best place to stay up to date with the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival is to follow our Facebook page. While you’re there\, please like our page and share with your friends! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nBLUE RIDGE WEATHER\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay (and more) URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/blue-ridge-blues-bbq-festival/ LOCATION:Downtown Blue Ridge Play Park\, East Main Street\, Blue Ridge\, GA\, 30513\, United States CATEGORIES:Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/blues-and-bbq-logo-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T140000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20250603T190010Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T181609Z UID:10000185-1790420400-1790431200@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Troop 61 BBQ Competition DESCRIPTION: Calling All BBQ Lovers!  \n\n\n\nJoin us for the Boy Scout Troop 61 1st Annual BBQ Contest and Fundraiser on Saturday\, September 26th\, 2026 from 11AM to 2PM at the Pomaria Community Center! \n\n\n\nThis is an SCBA-sanctioned event with certified judges—come taste some of the best barbecue around and support a great cause! Bring your appetite and your friends! \n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nPOMARIA WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/troop-61-bbq-competition/ LOCATION: Pomaria Community Center\, 110 Victoria St\, Pomaria\, SC\, 29126\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Troop-61-BBQ-Competition-Little-Mountain-SC.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261003T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261003T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20240103T195533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T221648Z UID:10000169-1791025200-1791039600@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Cookin’ & Campin’ BBQ Cook-off (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Get Ready for the Cookin’ & Campin’ BBQ Cook-Off!\n\n\n\nMark your calendars for this one\, as the smoky aroma of Southern barbecue returns to the scenic shores of Lake Marion at Palmetto Shores RV Resort in Summerton\, SC. The highly anticipated Cookin’ & Campin’ BBQ Cook-Off is back\, bringing together some of the best BBQ pitmasters from across the state for a day filled with mouthwatering flavors\, great music\, and family fun. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStarting at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m.\, this event is open to the public with free admission\, so bring your friends\, family\, and appetites! Eighteen competitive BBQ teams from cities like Columbia\, Mount Pleasant\, Florence\, and beyond will showcase their culinary skills\, smoking Boston butts throughout the night to serve up some of the best barbecue in South Carolina. These teams will be competing for thousands in cash prizes and trophies\, with the top pitmaster taking home the big prize and a spot in next year’s competition. \n\n\n\nAs you wander the event\, you’ll have the chance to sample a variety of barbecue styles and sauces—from sweet vinegar to smoky hickory\, and everything in between. Tickets are $1 each for 2-ounce sample cups\, so you can taste as much as you’d like. Barbecue sandwiches will also be available for $5\, sandwich meals for $8\, and you can even grab BBQ by the pint for $10 to take home. Choose your favorite pitmaster’s creations and enjoy the flavors! \n\n\n\nIn addition to the fantastic food\, there will be live music from noon to 2 p.m. The event also features fun for the whole family\, including the chance to feed and pet longhorn cattle\, making it a memorable day for kids and adults alike. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith stunning views of Lake Marion and the welcoming atmosphere of Palmetto Shores RV Resort\, the Cookin’ & Campin’ BBQ Cook-Off is the perfect way to spend a fall Saturday. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just looking for a fun family outing\, this event promises great food\, live entertainment\, and plenty of good times. \n\n\n\nCome join us at 5215 Dingle Pond Road\, Summerton\, SC—just off I-95 at Exit 102—for a day of BBQ and community. We look forward to seeing you there! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nSUMMERTON WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/cookin-campin-bbq-cook-off/ LOCATION:Palmetto Shores RV Resort\, 5215 Dingle Pond Rd.\, Summerton\, SC\, 29148\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cookin-and-Campin-Logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261009T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261010T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20230918T205059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T201927Z UID:10000165-1791504000-1791676799@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue DESCRIPTION:SMALLEST TOWN IN WHISKEY BECOMES THE BIGGEST SCENE IN BARBECUE \n\n\n\nThe aroma of smoked meats\, the sizzle of grills\, and the hum of excited chatter will once again fill the air of Lynchburg\, Tennessee\, as it does each October. \n\n\n\nThe Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue\, affectionately known as “The Jack\,” is returning for another year of fierce competition and mouth-watering delights. \n\n\n\n\n\nA Glimpse into the Past\n\n\n\nThe Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is not just any barbecue competition; it’s a prestigious event that has grown in stature and reputation over the years. \n\n\n\nHeld annually in the quaint town of Lynchburg\, the championship has become a beacon for barbecue enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Teams vie for the coveted title\, but to even get a chance to compete\, they must first win a state championship or meet other stringent criteria set by the organizers. \n\n\n\n\n\nWhat to Expect\n\n\n\nThis year\, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever. With about 25\,000-30\,000 spectators expected to descend on Lynchburg\, attendees can look forward to a spectacle of competitive barbecuing. \n\n\n\nBut it’s not just about the meats. The event also offers a range of festivities\, including music and other entertainment options\, ensuring there’s something for everyone. \n\n\n\n\n\nPlanning Your Visit\n\n\n\nIf you’re considering attending\, here are some things to keep in mind: \n\n\n\nAlthough the barbecue competition itself is in Wiseman Park\, the entire town is filled with booths and displays. \n\n\n\nSo in between sampling some of the best barbecue around\, you can check out buck dancing\, try your hand at butt bowling\, or cheer on the pets in the Country Dog Show. \n\n\n\n\n\nAdmission is free and open to all ages. \n\n\n\n\nAccommodations: Lynchburg offers a range of accommodations\, but given the event’s popularity\, it’s advisable to book your stay well in advance. See lodging options below.\n\n\n\nWhat to Bring: While the aroma of barbecued meats will be tempting\, remember to check the event’s guidelines on what you can and cannot bring. Restrictions often apply to items like outside food and drink.\n\n\n\nParking: Parking is available for $10.00 at Moore County High School on Saturday with shuttle buses available from 9:00am to 7:00pm. Arrive early to secure a parking spot\, as spaces can fill up quickly given the event’s popularity.\n\n\n\nFamily-Friendly: The event is suitable for attendees of all ages\, with activities and entertainment options that cater to both young and old.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Culinary Experience Like No Other\n\n\n\nThe Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of culinary artistry\, community spirit\, and the rich heritage of barbecuing. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re a seasoned barbecue aficionado or a curious first-timer\, this event promises an unforgettable experience. \n\n\n\n\nSo\, mark your calendars for October 13th and 14th\, and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of flavors\, aromas\, and the unparalleled charm of Lynchburg. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNote: For specific details\, attendees should always refer to the official event website or contact the event organizers directly. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay Nearby\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nLYNCHBURG WEATHER URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/jack-daniels-world-championship-invitational-barbecue/ LOCATION:Wiseman Park\, 301 Wiseman Park Rd.\, Lynchburg\, TN\, 37352\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Jack-Daniels-BBQ.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261016T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261017T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20211004T195400Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T202450Z UID:10000091-1792108800-1792281599@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:Jackson Hook and Cook Festival (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:A Festival Steeped in Tradition\n\n\n\nThe quaint town of Jackson\, known for its tight-knit community and rich traditions\, is once again preparing to host its renowned Hook & Cook Festival. \n\n\n\nAs the aroma of barbecued meats wafts through the air and the sound of laughter fills the streets\, it’s evident that this isn’t just any festival; it’s a testament to the town’s unity and the spirit of celebration. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Look Back at Past Events\n\n\n\nDrawing inspiration from past events\, this year’s festival promises to be an even grander affair. In its eighth edition\, the festival saw a footfall of 1\,500 to 2\,000 attendees\, a number that has only grown over the years. \n\n\n\n\nThe 14th edition\, despite challenges like waterlogged roads that led to the cancellation of the fishing tournament\, still managed to draw between 1\,000 to 3\,000 attendees. Such resilience and dedication are what make the Hook & Cook Festival a standout event in Jackson’s calendar. \n\n\n\n\nTwo Days of Fun Activities\n\n\n\nSet against the backdrop of the Jackson Pavilion on Main Street\, the festival is a two-day extravaganza. While Friday evenings are reserved for arts\, crafts\, and food vendors\, the highlight is undoubtedly the dessert competition\, where participants vie for the coveted $100 first prize. And as the sun sets\, live music takes center stage\, ensuring that the night is filled with music\, dance\, and merriment. \n\n\n\nSaturday is a day of diverse activities. From car and boat shows to antique displays\, there’s something for everyone. \n\n\n\n\nThe Heart of the Festival: Barbecue and Fishing\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe fishing tournament\, a staple of the festival\, sees enthusiastic participants launching their boats from the Jackson boat landing. With categories ranging from panfish and bass to striper/hybrid and catfish\, the competition is fierce\, culminating in a weigh-in at the Municipal Complex. \n\n\n\n\nBut what’s a Hook & Cook Festival without some mouth-watering barbecue? \n\n\n\nThe South Carolina BBQ Association sanctioned Cook-off is where the magic happens. With cash prizes up for grabs in categories like ribs and butt\, the competition is intense. And for attendees\, it’s a gastronomic delight\, with barbecue dinners available for purchase. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGiving Back to the Community\n\n\n\nThe festival also gives back to the community. Past editions have seen donations to institutions like Redcliffe Elementary\, the culinary department at Silver Bluff\, and the NJROTC\, to name a few. \n\n\n\nAs the festival draws to a close\, one can’t help but marvel at the sense of community it fosters. As Phyllis Boyd aptly puts it\, “It’s amazing how the small community has grown from this. We have people from all over here\, and it’s just turned into something that people really enjoy; it’s a unified event.” \n\n\n\n\nSo\, if you’re looking for a weekend of fun\, food\, and festivities\, the Jackson Hook & Cook Festival is the place to be. It’s not just an event; it’s an experience\, a celebration of community and tradition. And as the sun sets on Jackson\, the memories of the festival linger\, a reminder of the town’s indomitable spirit and the promise of many more celebrations to come. \n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay (and more)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nJACKSON SC URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/hook-and-cook-festival/ LOCATION:Jackson Community Center\, 106 Main St.\, Jackson\, SC\, 29831\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/hook-291x300.jpg GEO:33.3250058;-81.7889658 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Jackson Community Center 106 Main St. Jackson SC 29831 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=106 Main St.:geo:-81.7889658,33.3250058 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261023T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261024T235959 DTSTAMP:20260513T183407 CREATED:20220901T171221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T155907Z UID:10000133-1792713600-1792886399@destination-bbq.com SUMMARY:BBQ\, Blues\, & Boos Cookoff (SCBA) DESCRIPTION:Benefiting the Community \n\n\n\nBBQ\, Blues\, & Boos Festival is a fundraising event built to provide a unique experience for the Barnwell community\, promote the vibrant culture of the region\, and support the non-profit economic development work of the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber & The Palmetto Innovation Center. \n\n\n\nProfits from this event go directly to supporting free and low-cost programs built to support emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses in and around Barnwell and Allendale Counties. \n\n\n\n\n\nThe BBQ\, Blues\, & Boos Festival began as the Palmetto Pig Pickin’ in 2019 and then was promptly canceled for two years straight due to safety concerns related to COVID-19. \n\n\n\nIt came back in 2022 with a new name\, and a larger mission to create a fun community event supporting the expanded non-profit work of the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber which\, since the event’s inception\, has grown to include the important work of the Palmetto Innovation Center fostering a more vibrant economy in the region. \n\n\n\n\n\nFamily Friendly\n\n\n\nAll kids 12 and under that attend in costume will get in free to the event! \n\n\n\nWe are actively pulling together all of the family activities we will have for this year’s event\, so check back here soon. We look forward to having several kid-friendly activities\, including a bounce house\, airbrushed temporary Tattoos\, and Cornhole Tournament. \n\n\n\nNote that registration for the Tournament will open by the end of August! Two-person teams will battle for the chance to be crowned champ and get $500 cash! \n\n\n\n\n\nTicket Info\n\n\n\n\nSingle Day Admission: $25 includes one day of music and food from 15 cook-off competitors ($30 day of)\n\n\n\nWeekend Pass: $40 includes admission for both days with food both days from 15 cook-off competitors ($50 day of)\n\n\n\nVIP Pass: $100 includes admission for both days\, food from 15 cook-off competitors\, open beer bar\, VIP lounge & private restroom (online pre-event only)\n\n\n\n\nKids in Costume under 12 get in FREE!  \n\n\n\n\nProfits from this event go directly to free and low-cost programs built to support emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses in and around Barnwell & Allendale Counties\, developed by the  Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber and the Palmetto Innovation Center. \n\n\n\n\nBBQ Cookoff Sampling\n\n\n\nFriday4:30 pm – Gates Open to the Public5:00 pm – Anything Butt sampling opens for PublicCooks will serve a variety of dishes including sides\, appetizers\, and desserts all which don’t include pulled pork.9:00 pm – Anything Butt ends Public Sampling\, gates close \n\n\n\nSaturday10:00 am – Gates Open to the Public11:00 am – Public Sampling Begins for BBQ Cookoff Cooks will serve exclusively their take on Pulled Pork BBQ.3:30 pm – Award Ceremony & Public Sampling ends4:00 pm – Cook-Off over and public disperses \n\n\n\n\n\nMUSIC SCHEDULE\n\n\n\nFriday \n\n\n\n4-5:30 pm – Live Music6-7:30 pm – Live Music8-9 pm – Live Music \n\n\n\nSaturday \n\n\n\n10-11 am – Live Music11:30am-12 pm – Live Music 12:30-1:30 pm – Live Music2:00-3:30 pm – Live Music3:30-4 pm – Awards \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Organizer\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvent Location\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBest Places to Stay (and more)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWeather Forecast\n\n\n\nBARNWELL SC URL:https://destination-bbq.com/event/bbq-blues-boos-cookoff/ LOCATION:Generations Unlimited – Gail Reyes Center\, 10915 Ellenton St.\, Barnwell\, SC\, 29812\, United States CATEGORIES:Competition,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://destination-bbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BBQ-Blues-Boos-Cookoff-Logo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Bob Snead":MAILTO:bob@southernpalmetto.org GEO:33.2573606;-81.3775637 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Generations Unlimited – Gail Reyes Center 10915 Ellenton St. Barnwell SC 29812 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=10915 Ellenton St.:geo:-81.3775637,33.2573606 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR