The Carolina BBQ Festival - 2026

Celebrate the Tradition of Whole Hog BBQ and so MUCH MORE. Tastings from 30+ Pitmasters + Chefs at the 5th annual Carolina BBQ Festival.

Join us at the Carolina BBQ Festival, April 17–18, 2026, at Victoria Yards and the adjacent parking lot in Uptown Charlotte, NC — all in support of our friends at Operation BBQ Relief. In partnership with Charlotte Shout

Our 2026 pitmaster + chef lineup features 30+ friends from the Carolinas & beyond, coming together to celebrate the rich tradition of whole hog BBQ (and so much more). Your festival tickets include tasting plates from all of our friends - that’s 30+ tastings of BBQ goodness if you hang with us all weekend. Come hungry.

Friday, April 17 – The Kickoff

We’re kicking off festival weekend on Friday, April 17, celebrating all things CHARLOTTE BBQ.

Enjoy:
• Tastings from 5+ local BBQ spots. Live Music + DJ.
• A chance to watch the pits get set up for festival day
• All the eats + drinks to kick off the weekend in true #CLT fashion

Saturday, April 18 – The Festival

Spend Saturday soaking in the full Carolina BBQ Festival experience.

Your day includes:
• Tasting plates from each of our 25 pitmaster stations
• A mix of whole hog, brisket, chicken, hash & rice, seafood, and more
• Local vendors + sponsor activations
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and a variety of non-alcoholic options available for purchase
• An on-site brick pit showcasing the heritage of whole hog cooking

BBQ for a Cause

Let’s #BBQforaCause by supporting our friends at Operation BBQ Relief. Our amazing sponsors will once again be donating grills and all kinds of BBQ-related tools & swag for our onsite raffle benefiting OBR.

We’re bringing the BBQ community together again to celebrate the whole hog tradition - festival style.

Divided by Sauce, United by Coal.

Find us at carolinabbqfest.org and @carolinabbqfestival on Instagram.

Tickets are non-refundable; this is a rain-or-shine event.

Ticket Overview

The Kickoff – $35
Friday, April 17 • 6:00–10:00 PM
Celebrating all things #CLT
• Local pitmaster + chef tastings
• Live music + DJ

The Festival: General Admission – $75
Saturday, April 18 • Entry at 12:00 PM
• Tasting plates from 25 pitmasters
• DJ, vendors + sponsor activations
• Access to a variety of drinks: cocktails, beer, wine, and NA beverages
• Join our raffle & #BBQforaCause
• Shop our exclusive 2026 Carolina BBQ Festival merch

The Festival: VIP – $125
Saturday, April 18 • Entry at 11:00 AM
• Everything included in General Admission
• Early VIP entry at 11:00 AM, including early access to our Swag Station
• Access to VIP area, including oysters + champagne
• $10 voucher for Carolina BBQ Festival merch (shirt or hat)*

Kids Tickets (ages 7–13) – $25

Piglet Tickets – $0
• Kids 6 and under receive free admission
• A ticket must be selected for them at checkout.

*Merch voucher only applies to the Carolina BBQ Festival merch tent and does not include merch, goods, wares, foods, or drinks from vendors.

Looking for a place to stay! enjoy our partnership rate at Homewood Suites (located right beside the festival) Book your stay!