MD State BBQ Bash Features Nearly 100 Teams Vying For Championship In Bel Air

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The MD State BBQ Bash, a barbecue-themed street festival featuring the Maryland State BBQ Championship, will draw more than 50 competition teams from the Mid-Atlantic area and beyond to Bel Air this weekend.

They'll be competing for cash prizes and the chance to compete in the annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and The American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri.

More than 40 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 festival will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Oct. 14 and noon to 10 p.m. Oct. 15 — rain or shine — at 2 South Bond Street in downtown Bel Air.

Some things to know from the Bel Air Downtown Alliance:

Music Schedule

The MD State BBQ Bash partners with WXCY Radio to deliver the music experience at the Bash. Performers are:

Friday, October 14

5 – 7:30 p.m.: Mark Bray & The Steel Soul Cowboys8:30 – 9:45 p.m.: Ryan Griffin

Saturday, October 15

2 – 4 p.m.: The Route 66 Band5 – 7:30 p.m.: Chasing Friday8:30 – 9:45 p.m.: Hannah Ellis

Food Vendors

Spready Oak Country Cafe, Butch’s Smack Your Lips BBQ, Dyvine BBQ In Motion, Fountain Green Concessions, Handsome Devil BBQ, London Court Beverage, N.C. Ribs on Wheels, Old Line Grill, RibbinsNaders, Wild Bill’s Soda, Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz

Food Trucks

Friday, 10/14: Crossroads Bistro, Deli-ish, Don’s Dogs, Mr. Dave’s Ice Cream
Saturday, 10/15: Fuzzies Burger, Deli-ish, JD’s House of Bacon

Admission

Admission into the MD State BBQ Bash is free. For their safety, no pets/dogs allowed.

Parking

Parking is available throughout Downtown Bel Air. All parking is free in Downtown Bel Air on weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. Click here to see where you can park.

Security

No weapons of any kind will be permitted in the event. Security will provide screening upon entry.