Table of Contents
Introduction: Pinehurst BBQ Festival
The Pinehurst BBQ Festival, which recently took place over Labor Day weekend, was a celebration of all things barbecue in the heart of North Carolina. The event featured a variety of mouth-watering BBQ styles from top pitmasters, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. Attendees enjoyed sampling delicious smoked meats, engaging in BBQ competitions, and soaking in the festive atmosphere of Pinehurst. It was a perfect blend of Southern hospitality, culinary excellence, and community spirit.
Events
The festival featured special events such as:
Logistics
I highly recommend purchasing VIP tickets when they go on sale. The lines got pretty long once regular admission started, but with VIP access, you can get in early, sample a wide variety of food, and then relax and explore at your own pace. Plus, parking was limited, but VIP tickets included access to a reserved lot—another great perk that made the experience even better!
This was the official stance of the event for parking:
"Parking for this event is free throughout the Village of Pinehurst, with additional spots available across from Pinehurst Brewing Co., near Town Hall, and at Pinehurst Elementary School. A complimentary shuttle service will be running from these locations.
Please ensure that you do not block driveways of private homes or businesses when parking in the area."
You can find more FAQs here!
What to Bring
I recommend packing chairs, water, and maybe a pop-up table in case seating is limited when you arrive. This way, you’ll have a comfortable spot to eat and relax. Don't forget a hat, and definitely sunscreen—it was hot and humid! A neck fan would have been a great idea, too!
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Vendors
Lots of fun vendors were present to do a little local shopping!
Beverages
I was beyond grateful for the ice-cold hefeweizen that kept me cool during the wait for tacos. The festival offered a wide selection of drinks, including wine, liquor, beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options—truly something for everyone!
Participating Pitmasters
The following pitmasters were present on Sunday when I attended:
Christ Prieto
Prime Barbequeue - Knightdale - Smoked Beef Cheeks with Spanish Slaw
Adam Hughes
Old Colony Smokehouse - Edenton - Marinated Cowboy Chicken with Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Ron Simmons
Master Blend Family Farms - Kenansville - 365 Pork BBQ Sliders with Classic Southern Coleslaw
Lewis Donald
Sweet Lew's BBQ - Charlotte - Smoked Turkey Breast with Fried Green Beans
Keith Henning
Black Powder Smokehouse - Jamestown - Cheerwine Glazed Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Sweet Southern Potato Salad
Jake Wood
Lawrence Barbecue - Durham - Smoked Brisket Quesabirria Tacos with Street Corn Salad
Benjie Ayala
Pork Pinchos with Coconut Braised Collard Greens
I didn’t get to try everything, but what I did sample was incredible! I’m already planning to attend next year.
Conclusion
What's not to love!?
Live music, good food, a little shopping, and great people!
Give the festival a follow and make sure you don't miss the next one:
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