Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the BBQ Fest on the Neuse?
The 2025 BBQ Fest on the Neuse will be held on Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 in Downtown Kinston, North Carolina. The Festival grounds encompass several blocks of Downtown Kinston between Pearson Park and Queen Street. To find us, point your GPS to 100 N Herritage Street, Kinston, NC 28501
BBQ Fest on the Neuse vendors and entertainment will be open to the general public on Friday, May 2nd from 5pm - 10pm and on Saturday, May 3rd from 10am - 7pm.
How much does it cost to attend the BBQ Fest on the Neuse?
Admission is free. Be sure to bring money for food, drinks, arts/crafts and other goodies from our local businesses and festival vendors.
Will food be available at the festival?
Yes, our local dining establishments will be open to serve you. For a list, please visit https://visitkinston.com. A variety of food vendors will be on hand at the festival. In addition, BBQ will be available for purchase on Saturday from 11am until sold out at the BBQ Chop Tent on Herritage Street across from the Farmers Market. BBQ sandwiches and pints will be available to-go at the Visitor’s Center, 101 E. New Bern Road, from 11:00am - until sold out on Saturday, May 3rd.
Will there be a carnival this year?
TBD
Where will ATMs be located?
ATM machines can be found at the following locations:
- Corner of North Street and Herritage Street (temporary)
- Gordon Street by Lenoir Oxygen (temporary)
- Corner of Caswell Street and Herritage Street (CashPoints)
Is there a rain date for the BBQ Fest on the Neuse?
The BBQ Fest on the Neuse is a large open-air festival that takes months of planning. It is a rain or shine event.
How do I sign up as a sponsor?
It couldn't be easier. Visit our Event Sponsors or Cook Team Sponsors page to get all the info you need.
Can I request a specific vendor location?
You can request your spot in the Vendor Registration form, but locations are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
I'd like to sell my wonderful [your cool product here] as a vendor at the festival.
All the info you need to become an official vendor is available on the Vendor Registration.
How do I sign up my cook team?
Register here: https://kinstonbbq.com/cook-team-registration.
Where is Pearson Park in Kinston?
It’s at the corner of Mitchell Street and Gordon Street, along the beautiful Neuse River. However, the festival area begins at King Street and ends at Blount Street.
Some streets are blocked off for the BBQ Fest. How do I navigate downtown?
The festival area and streets are closed to vehicles and parking. Parking is available throughout other areas of downtown Kinston at several public parking lots that are designated with public parking signs.
Is there a shuttle service this year?
Yes. Pickup for the shuttle service will be at Historic Grainger Stadium. The shuttle service will run on Friday, May 3rd from 4:45pm - 10:30pm and Saturday, May 4th from 8:45am - 8:30pm.
Is there handicap parking near the festival area?
On Friday and Saturday, there will be handicap parking lot available on West Blount Street and East Caswell Street.
Will there be a car show?
Yes, the car show will be held on Saturday. There will be a cruise in on Friday evening. For more information, please contact Judy Stroud at 252-939-5292, Robert Stroud at 252-939-5503, and/or Allen O’Neal 919-352-3000.
Will there be any activities for children?
Yes, there will be a variety of activities for children available in Pearson Park.
How will I know if there are any changes made to the BBQ Fest or the schedule?
For the latest information, please subscribe to our BBQ Fest on the Neuse text alerts.
Are animals and pets allowed at the festival?
No, only service animals are allowed at the festival.
What is there to do during the BBQ Fest on the Neuse?
Too much to explain here – that's for sure. Visit the Schedule pages for Friday and Saturday to see what’s happening each day.
Can I volunteer to be part of the BBQ Fest on the Neuse Team? How can I find out what's available that might fit my skills?
Just visit the Volunteer Registration page. We have a list of areas and activities we need help with, requiring all kinds of skills throughout the festival. Find something that looks fun, and sign up.
It's a big festival; may I bring my golf cart or ATV?
Only festival-authorized golf carts are permitted in the festival area. For additional information, call Waylon 252-643-2084.
This has been helpful, but I still have a question that hasn't been answered. Who should I call?
Call us! We have lots of answers to questions we haven't posted here. Who knows? Your question might even make it onto this FAQ page. For questions, call 252-523-2500 or 252-522-0004. One of our BBQ Fest on the Neuse experts will help you, whatever the question.