CHARLOTTE, NC – Get ready for a celebration of Southern tradition as the Carolina BBQ Festival returns for its fourth year, April 4-5, 2025, in Charlotte, NC.
A part of the popular Charlotte SHOUT! festival, this signature event brings together an elite group of 16+ pitmasters from across the Southeast. Attendees will experience the time-honored craft of whole hog barbecue along with curated BBQ tastings that include tacos, sausage, chopped pork, ribs, chicken, hash, and rice, and so much more— all while enjoying the skyline view in the heart of the Queen City. Live music, shopping, activations, and more make this a foodie event not to be missed.
All proceeds will support national and local charities. This year the festival will be raising funds for charities that help feed our communities in times of need and support our first responders. They include Operation BBQ Relief and Hungry Heroes.
“What started as a vision to unite the barbecue community has evolved into something truly remarkable,” says Lewis Donald, Founder of the Carolina BBQ Festival. “Four years in, we’re not just cooking whole hog – we’re preserving a Southern tradition and making a real difference in our community. The magic happens when you bring together passionate pitmasters, eager food lovers, and a cause worth fighting for. That’s what the Carolina BBQ Festival is all about.”
Friday, April 4th – The Kickoff (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM) ($35)
- Enjoy 5+ tastings and fun collaborations from local chefs
- Two complimentary drink tickets for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages
- Meet and greet with pitmasters
- Exclusive opportunity to witness pitmasters preparing their pits for Saturday’s main event
- Live music and DJ
Saturday, April 5th – The Festival (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) General Admission ($75)
- BBQ tastings from each of our 17 pitmaster stations, offering 5 pounds of curated tastings
- A full day of live entertainment and sponsor activations
- Variety of beverages for purchase including cocktails, beer, wine, THC, and non-alcoholic options such as lemonade and dirty sodas.
- Join in on our raffle & #BBQforaCause – a chance to win grills, grilling equipment + more
- Shop our exclusive 2025 Carolina BBQ Festival merchandise
- Enjoy our vendor marketplace featuring BBQ rubs, sauces, and custom merchandise
VIP Experience ($125)
- Early entry at 11:00 AM for first access to all tastings
- Exclusive VIP area featuring fresh oysters and seafood boil
- Three drink tickets
- $10 Carolina BBQ Festival merchandise voucher
Piglet Tickets:
- Free admission for children under 10 (ticket selection required)
About The Carolina BBQ Festival:
The Carolina BBQ Festival is Charlotte’s premier celebration of authentic whole hog barbecue, bringing together renowned pitmasters, local chefs, and food enthusiasts for a weekend of culinary tradition, community, and charitable giving.
