Huntsville’s WhistleStop BBQ Festival returns to MidCity on October 16-17, bringing two days of barbecue competitions, live music and family-friendly activities to North Alabama.
BBQ teams compete for prizes and fan votes
The 25th annual festival will feature 40 teams competing in a barbecue contest sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Categories include ribs, chicken and dessert, with $6,000 in cash prizes available. The Grand Champion will receive $2,000.
Attendees can also sample competing dishes during the People’s Choice tastings. Wings will be available Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by pulled pork tastings Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. Guests can vote for their favorites using QR codes. Tastings are available while supplies last.
Live music and family activities fill the weekend
Seven local acts will perform across the two-day festival. Friday’s lineup includes Travis Bowlin, Milltowne and The Brooklines. Saturday features The Grasstronauts, Josh Allison, Lana White & the Heights, and Buck’d UP.
Families can visit the PigPen for children’s activities, including inflatable bounce houses. The Picnic Zone will offer space for tailgating, watching football and relaxing with chairs and blankets. Food vendors will also serve barbecue and other options throughout the event.
Tickets support a North Alabama nonprofit
The festival takes place in the MidCity District lot along Old Monrovia Road. Gates open Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 11 a.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday.
Advance tickets cost $10 for a single day or $15 for a weekend pass. Prices at the gate increase to $15 for a single day and $25 for the weekend. Children 12 and younger can attend for free.
Proceeds and donations will benefit the Apollo Coalition, a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurship, special events and educational programs.
Tickets are available through the WhistleStop BBQ Festival website.
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