MD State BBQ Bash 2016: Musical Lineup, Cooking Competitions

BEL AIR, MD — The MD State BBQ Bash will get cooking this weekend in Bel Air, drawing musical guests and barbecuers galore. The 2015 BBQ Bash reportedly drew a record crowd of 40,000.

Approximately 45 amateur contestants will compete in the MD State BBQ Tailgate Challenge for "backyard barbecuers," while more than 50 teams from the mid-Atlantic will contend in the MD State BBQ Championship for $12,500 in cash prizes and the chance to go to the annual Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, TN, and The American Royal in Kansas City, MO.

More than 45 vendors will be set up in the area selling crafts and other goods, plus there will be 20 food vendors at the barbecue-themed street festival.

See pics from last year's bash.

The Bel Air Downtown Alliance sponsors the BBQ Bash, which is from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. The bash takes place at 2 South Bond Street in Bel Air. Admission is free. Proceeds from the festival go to the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, an organization that receives most of its funding from this event.

Friday, Aug. 12

5 p.m. Southern Charm (country rock)

5–9 p.m. Roll Out the Barrel event (bourbon and cigar tasting)

8 p.m. Reagan Years ('80s tribute band)

Saturday, Aug. 13

2 p.m. Peterbuilt (country rock)

5 p.m. Walk-Ins Welcome (modern country)

7:30 p.m. Matt Gary (country)

8:45 p.m. Clare Dunn (country)

Photo Credit: Morguefile.