BreweriesDates not confirmed yet. This edition is expected in May 2027, based on when it has run before. Check the organizer before making plans.
Food & Drink
Tampa Bay Barbecue Festival
Date
Expected May 2027
Location
Vinoy Park
701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Where to stay
Parking near Vinoy Park is thin, and the Vinoy Resort, one of the downtown St. Pete hotels, is about an eight-minute walk from the park.
Organized by
Tampa Bay Barbecue Festival
About this happenin
Competition pitmasters line the seawall at Vinoy Park for two days of brisket, ribs, pulled pork and chicken, and every team sells a sampler platter of all four. Trained judges score blind entries in those categories on Saturday, and the winners are announced Sunday afternoon on the main stage between sets. Scan the QR code at each booth to cast your own vote; the tally picks the People's Choice winner. Muralists paint in real time while the bands play, and there's cornhole and giant Jenga. Parking near the park is thin, and organizers point to the SouthCore Garage at 101 1st Avenue South. The festival has run 1 to 9 p.m. both days, and the box office at Bayshore Drive and 5th Avenue opens at 12:30 p.m. Chairs and blankets are fine. Sealed water is the only outside drink allowed, and coolers stay out. Leashed dogs are welcome. Admission is free through age 13, and only VIP tickets allow re-entry.
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