Battle of the Barbeque

Battle of the Barbeque

Come join us for a sizzling showdown at the Lake Gaston Lions Club! Get ready to feast on mouthwatering barbeque dishes cooked up by local pitmasters. Taste test your way through a variety of flavorful meats and savory sides. Bring your appetite and your friends for a day filled with good food, good company, and good times!

BATTLE OF THE BARBECUE

Presented by Kitchen Goat Feeds (501c3)

March 20–21, 2026 |Lake Gaston Lions Club, Henrico, NC

Rain or Shine — The Battle Goes On!

Battle of the Barbecue is Eastern North Carolina’s ultimate two-day BBQ throwdown — where smoke, skill, and community collide for a powerful cause. This Southern Barbecue Network–sanctioned competition brings together professional and amateur pitmasters, all fighting for bragging rights, trophies, and cash prizes while raising money to provide grocery & gas cards for local cancer patients.

Friday kicks off with our FREE Kids Q Contest and the fan-favorite Anything Butt Competition, inviting cooks of all ages to get creative. Saturday is the main event with brisket, Boston butts, and St. Louis–style ribs sizzling over the pits, plus chili showdown entries, vendors, live music, family activities, and public taste-testing opportunities.

Friday night: 5pm-8pm

Free event with Kid's Q Contest and "Anything Butt" contest where contestants smoke a variety or foods, anything except pork butts. Contestants will be selling their creations.

Saturday afternoon: 2pm-6pm

All you can Eat Pork BBQ, Chili and Slaw.

Live Music

Tickets include 2 drink tickets

People's Choice contest

Winners will be announced at 5:00pm with a $1000 winner in the Professional League and $500 for amateurs.

Whether you’re competing, sponsoring, volunteering, or coming hungry — Battle of the Barbecue brings the whole community together for one mission:

Feed Families. Fight Cancer. Love Local.