BBQ Fest on the Neuse returns to Kinston with meals, music, and household enjoyable

One of Eastern North Carolina’s largest and hottest festivals is firing again up this spring.

BBQ Fest on the Neuse returns to downtown Kinston May 1st and 2nd, 2026, bringing two days of meals, music, and family-friendly enjoyable alongside the riverfront.

The annual occasion options barbecue cook dinner groups from throughout the area competing for high honors, persevering with a long-standing custom of Eastern North Carolina barbecue.

This yr’s leisure lineup contains nation artist Dylan Schneider, who will carry out Friday, May 1st at 8:30 p.m. on the Heritage Street stage.

Festivalgoers can count on a variety of actions for all ages, together with carnival rides, a child zone, and even Disney character meet-and-greets.

More than 150 distributors will probably be on website, together with dance demonstrations, a motorcycle present, and a automobile present.

For these wanting to soak up the views, helicopter excursions will even be out there throughout the occasion.

Adults can take pleasure in a beer, wine, and spirits backyard whereas listening to reside music all through the weekend.

Organizers say the competition continues to develop annually, providing one thing for everybody whereas celebrating the area’s wealthy barbecue heritage.

Additional data, together with registration for distributors, volunteers, and cook dinner groups, could be discovered here.