Maryland State BBQ Bash: Schedule, Entertainment, Hours

BEL AIR, MD — Barbecue enthusiasts and music lovers will flock to Bel Air this weekend for the MD State BBQ Bash, which draws tens of thousands each summer. Live music and sizzling grills will be accompanied by crafters, children's entertainers and food vendors for festival-goers in the Bel Air Downtown Alliance's signature event.

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.

Admission is free, and the event is rain or shine.

Parking is available throughout downtown Bel Air and is free on weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays.

No pets/dogs are allowed for the safety of the animals.

Five bands are slated to perform throughout the two-day bash. Country singer Sundance Head, winner of The Voice in 2016, will headline Saturday night.

There will be a Kids Zone with activities from face painting to an interactive story time presented by the Bel Air Library.

Visit Harford is a title sponsor for the event, which organizers say draws people from across the country.

"The BBQ Bash not only brings feet on the street to Bel Air, but new visitors to Harford County as well," Bel Air Downtown Alliance Board of Directors President Donna M. Dickey said in a statement. "This year’s event will be bigger and better the ever!"

Check out the schedule below.

Friday, Aug. 10

Hours are 4-10 p.m. Friday

• 4-6 p.m.: Princesses and face painting at the Kids Zone
• 5-7 p.m.: The Grinders live music
• 5-9 p.m.: Roll Out the Barrel: bourbon and cigar tasting event/dinner at 2 Bond Street ($65)
• 6-8 p.m.: Balloon and face painting in the Kids Zone
• 8-10 p.m.: Phillip Michael Parsons live music

Saturday, Aug. 11

Hours are 12-10 p.m. Saturday

• 12-2 p.m.: Blue blocks and princesses in Kids Zone
• 2-4 p.m.: Blue Blocks and interactive story time in Kids Zone
• 2-4 p.m.: Boot N Rally live music
• 4-6 p.m.: Blue blocks and interactive story time (ends at 5 p.m.) at Kids Zone
• 5-7 p.m.: Walk Ins Welcome live music
• 6-8 p.m.: Blue blocks in the Kids Zone
• 8-10 p.m.: Sundance Head live music

The Maryland BBQ Bash will take place on Bond at Thomas streets on Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11.

Image via Shutterstock/Ramon grosso dola.