23rd Annual MD State BBQ Bash Returns To Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — Be sure and go hungry to the 23rd annual MD State BBQ Bash this weekend where there's ample opportunities to enjoy barbecue foods while cheering on competitors in the Maryland State BBQ Championship.

Named as one of Harford County’s best events, the street festival runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday along Bond Street in Bel Air. Upwards of 35,000 people attend the event every year.

Jenny Erhard, executive director of the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, told Patch that the annual event serves many purposes.

“The Maryland State BBQ Bash is such a special part of Bel Air. For us as a nonprofit, it’s not only an important fundraiser that allows us to continue supporting our downtown, but it’s also a chance to bring our community together, support small businesses and show off everything that makes Bel Air such a great place to be," Erhard said.

Twenty-nine teams from across the Mid-Atlantic area will compete in the state BBQ championship for cash prizes and the chance to compete in the annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennesesse, and The American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri.

Aside from the qualifying competition, 41 amateur teams will compete in the MD State BBQ Bash Tailgate Challenge to see who has the best ribs and chicken while competing for cash, prizes and bragging rights.

The MD State BBQ Bash also has been named the Maryland State Cup Contest with the Mid-Atlantic Barbecue Association for 2026. Each spring, State Cup winners from across the region compete to be crowned the MABA Cup Champion, bringing together elite teams from each state for a regional showdown.

"Downtown Bel Air, nicknamed 'The Heart of Harford,' is home to hundreds of amazing small businesses, including shops, restaurants and more. So, not only can attendees visit the bash, they can also shop, dine and explore everything that the area has to offer," Emma Knight, director of communications for the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, told Patch.

One of the newer additions to this year's event is an expanded activities area with many things to do for all ages, Knight said.

Beside all of the delicious barbecue food, there will be live music, a kids tent with face painting and more, a cornhole competition and an assortment of food trucks.

Live music includes performances by The Fitzkee Brothers, Madden Metcalf, Rock Creek Rival, Southland and Mark Bray and The Steel Soul Cowboys.

Food vendors on hand will include Butch’s Smack Your Lips BBQ, Virginia Vendors Food Services, Hcreate Inc, Grub House Inc, Jim’s Smokin Que BBQ, Fountain Green Concessions, Old Line Grill, Bacon on a Stick, Handsome Devil BBQ, Dyvine BBQ in Motion, NC Ribs on Wheels, Ribbins, Kona Ice, Mr. Dave’s Ice Cream, Mr. Souvlaki, LoveCrustPizza, Grilled & Cheesy, Krave Sips and Sweets, Bruster’s Bel Air, Cousins Maine Lobster and Open Road Provisions.

All tips generated by alcohol sales will be donated to four local nonprofit groups - Saving Grace Animal Rescue, There Goes My Hero, The Humane Society of Harford County and The HOPE Center of Maryland.