FAQ

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.

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

Spend Saturday soaking in the full Carolina BBQ Festival experience.

Your day includes:
• Tasting plates from each of our 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

• DJ + Games + More

• On site Screen Printing for one of a kind Carolina BBQ Festival Merch

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.

Yes. Rain or Shine!  Tickets are non-refundable.

No. We have ample food and drink available at The Kickoff & at The Festival. All food is included in your ticket price - trust us, you won't need to bring food. Drinks, including alcohol + non-alcoholic, will be available for purchase. 

We know it's going to be sunny and warm. You can bring in 2 unopened water bottles per person. 

Only Clear Bags are allowed for event entry.

Our pitmasters cook in limited quantities, and once they're out, they're out. Food service starts when the gates open, so don't wait and expect a full spread.

Friday - 6PM 

Satruday - VIP 11 AM - General Admission - 12 PM 

Absolutely! 

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. Please select Piglet ticket so that we can keep a head count for capacity. 

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 Pivot Praking here Parkme here. 

Or Park Mobile here.

Entry will take place on 7th Street right across from the 7th Street Parking Garage beside of 7th Street Market + on 8th Street by the light rail tracks. VIP entrance is located off of 7th Street. This entrance will be located directly in front of Victoria Yards (colorful lot, not the parking lot). VIP Entry is 11am. General Admission begins at 12pm. 

No animals will be allowed inside The Festival area except for service animals.

Security will be onsite. 

Great News! We have secured a partnership with Homewood Suites by Hilton, Charlotte Uptown First Ward. Right beside the festival venue and lot.