Day 2 Of Maryland BBQ Bash In Bel Air: Food, Music, Parking Info

BEL AIR, MD — Grill-masters are prepping for the Maryland State BBQ Bash to be held this weekend in Bel Air. This year marks the 15th annual event, set for Friday, Aug. 11, and Saturday, Aug. 12, according to the Bel Air Downtown Alliance.

Teams will compete in the MD State BBQ Bash Tailgate Challenge and Maryland State BBQ Championship for cash prizes and the chance to compete at the world barbecue championship in Tennessee.

The bash will also include a beer and wine garden, children’s entertainers, food vendors, crafters and musical guests. The Maryland BBQ Bash will take place on Bond at Thomas streets on Friday, Aug. 11, and Saturday, Aug. 12.

Musical acts scheduled to perform at the event are: Baltimore rock band The Klassix will open at 5 p.m. for country singer Sam Grow, who will headline at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11.

Chasing Friday will take the stage at 2 p.m., Walk-Ins Welcome will perform at 5 p.m., followed by country singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Like the Bel Air Patch Facebook page below, then continue reading the story.

Both Grow and Dickerson are country artists who live in Nashville, Tennessee. Grow is from the Eastern Shore, so he has Maryland roots. Check out his Ravens pride in this video.

The Maryland State BBQ Bash is organized by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance and Visit Harford, and music is lined up in partnership with Havre de Grace-based WXCY 103.7 FM.

If You Go: Parking

The Maryland State BBQ Bash attracts an estimated 35,000 attendees over two days, organizers say. Plenty of parking is available throughout Downtown Bel Air, and parking is free downtown on weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Handicap parking is strictly enforced and all violators will be towed.

A shuttle bus is only available at Bel Air High School and the John Carroll School on Friday, Aug. 11, from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

BBQ Competition

More than 50 competition teams from the Mid-Atlantic area and beyond are vying for $12,500 in cash prizes and the chance to compete in the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, TN, and The American Royal in Kansas City, MO.

In addition, more than 40 amateur teams will compete in the Maryland State BBQ Bash Tailgate Challenge to see who has the best ribs while competing for cash, prizes, and bragging rights.

File photo of Maryland BBQ Bash.