Happy holiday season, all. I am looking to go with my brother this year to a great BBQ festival in a BBQ destination (i.e., my hometown of NYC would not qualify). I'm less excited about the festivals that emphasize competition (i.e., American Royal in KC, the World Championship in Memphis, etc.) and more excited about those that focus on spectators gorging on great BBQ all day / weekend. I see the BBQ Festival in Lexington NC and Holy Smokes in Charleston, SC. Thoughts on these? Are there others that fit the bill? Thanks for your thoughts!
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I have been a part of this competition for the past 6 years. Proceeds support the local American Legion Post. With over 5-6000 attendees over the weekend, the sampling here is off the hook amazing! If you ever wished to visit the PNW in August (Prime Weather out there) this is a competition you must check out for sampling world class BBQ!
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Think about attending our next Texas Meat Up. We normally hit several of the best Texas BBQ spots during our multi day stay.
BTW, there is the Lone Star Smokeout at AT&T (Cowboys) stadium in Arlington Texas during April 2026. I'm thinking about going this year, I have never been but did watch a Meat Church video on YouTube about it. As always, YMMV
Home Page - Lone Star Smokeout
Last edited by Purc; December 26, 2025, 02:25 PM.Comment
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Attending a Meatup would be good, but just going to Austin would put you in the middle of some great Q restaurants.Comment
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Bumby I attended the first two Holy Smokes in Charleston. They were great events with lots of different BBQ items to eat, from Traditional Whole Hog, open pit ribs and chicken to Texas brisket and sausages, smoked / grilled seafood and new school twists on smoked meats.
If you go I highly recommend the VIP ticket; early entry, special area for seating, nicer bathroom facilities, drinks are included, and they have special food items only served in the VIP area.
The first year VIP sold out in 10 minutes. I think this year they still had VIP tickets available a couple of days before the event.
It is cool because a lot of the pitmasters will come out and meet people and take pictures, etc.
I am tentatively planning to go back in 2026.Comment
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I'm sure the Pit will provide some fantastic options, but if searching on your own DOUBLE CHECK that the event actually has food for the public. There are a few around my parts that are huge festivals featuring BBQ cook offs but no BBQ food available to the public. Went to one and only eating options were food trucks and such, it was quite the disappointment.Comment
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Hulagn1971 one of them was, the other I think was in New Bern. The one in Goldsboro does let the contenders in the cookoff also sell to the public now though.
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I've been to the Lexington BBQ festival as it's 30 minutes from where I live. It is sponsored by a bunch of local BBQ joints but really is just a huge festival with vendors and attractions plus a TON of people. I mean that part of town is absolutely jam packed with people. It's a big deal for the community but I'll pass.Comment
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Bumby definitely keep Lexington on your list to visit the barbecue joints! I like Speedy's and Barbecue Center. I haven't tried The Smoke Pit but it's on my radar. You'd be better to visit the area and try the restaurants on their own. Service is always great and met with a warm southern accent and smile. Couple that with a glass of sweet tea and it just doesn't get any better.
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Jim White, CaptainMike, and I went to the North Carolina BBQ Festival in Charlotte, in April 2023. That was pretty good, I’d recommend it.
The MeatUps are phenomenal; I’ve been to the one in North Carolina, and three of them in Texas. They combine a bbq road trip with face-to-face camaraderie that can’t be beat.
There is also the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival in Lockhart, in November.
At a festival, you generally get a ticket, or some other mechanism, that allows you to sample a little of everything. The atmosphere is like “food theme park”. The MeatUps are restaurant visits to some of the best bbq restaurants in the area. In addition to the phenomenal food, we’ve been treated to completely off the cuff tours of the pits at Burnt Bean, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ, Interstellar, Smitty’s, and Terry Black’s in Lockhart (where they practically lasso you into the pits). The festival is a sample of the food; a MeatUp is a sample of the food and the culture, plus meeting a bunch of good folks whom you previously only knew through digitized text.
Benefits both ways; the festival will be delicious, efficient and economical. The MeatUp gets you a richer, deeper experience, but damn! BBQ is expensive!Comment
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I'd put a MeatUp over almost any festival, well maybe there are a few that are worth going to at least once for the vibe but I'm not big on crowds so maybe I'm letting my personal feelings drive this statement. -
I'm really sorry my schedule didn't lend itself to the Meat Up in Winston. I would have thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone.
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Notwithstanding the last one - super mean smokers and back seat drivers 🙄🙄🙄- I suggest you attend a “meet up”. I haven’t gone to one yet but they look amazing and all they do is eat - always hitting up some great bbq spots and peppering in whatever local specialties are available.Last edited by JCBBQ; December 27, 2025, 07:57 AM.Comment
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I don't know about full-blown festivals, but Cleveland has a pretty good rib burn-off around Memorial Day each year if you feel like taking a drive.Originally posted by Bumby View PostComment
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