The Carolinas are known for barbecue, like REALLY good barbecue, so it’s only appropriate that we dedicate one day every fall to celebrate it. This BBQ Festival in North Carolina has been a tradition since 1984, getting bigger and better with every year. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Barbecue Festival, and you’ll want to mark your calendars for October 26, 2024! Whether you are a fan of smoked meats, fall festivals, or small towns in North Carolina, this is one of the tastiest events of the year. Here’s what you need to know:

The Barbecue Festival takes place for just one day a year -- and what a day it is! This event usually happens in October and the next event is slated for October 26, 2024. This delicious North Carolina BBQ festival can only be found at the one in only small town of Lexington, North Carolina.
Lexington Barbecue Festival/Facebook
This one-day festival is one you don’t want to miss. Just look at this meat... can't you just smell the succulent aroma of barbecue wafting through the screen? It is making us hungry just thinking about it.
This is one of the most beloved food festivals in North Carolina, so a stretch of uptown Lexington will be blocked off for the festival to make room for all of the fun.
Lexington Barbecue Festival/Facebook
The event is free to enter, and there will be over 250 exhibitors from all over the country selling everything from artwork to sweet confections.
Not only will the event host some of the best BBQ in North Carolina, but the festival is fun for all ages, and there’s even a special kid zone for the youngest barbecue lovers to enjoy. So make sure you bring along your kids for some family fun in the sun!
Lexington Barbecue Festival/Facebook
The festival has historically brought in fantastic artists for some live music. So make sure you check the lineup and don't miss these talented individuals. In addition to the musical performances, there are several special attractions you’ll want to stick around for.
Lexington Barbecue Festival/Facebook

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A crowd favorite has been the bicycle stunt show. See these athletes soaring through the air and do gravity-defying tricks. It's not every day you get a front-row seat to a BMX show!
Lexington Barbecue Festival/Facebook
The annual sand sculpture is always impressive. This has become a staple for the event and is an incredible masterpiece to witness.
thebarbecuefestival.com
Yes, that's actual sand that is sculpted to perfection!
Of course, the barbecue is top-notch. We here in the South are known for our BBQ so you can come hungry and come expecting to have some of the best darn meat this side of this Mississippi. Trust us when we say it is worth the lines to partake in this sweet smokey tradition.
Lexington Barbecue Festival/ Facebook
There are multiple barbecue tents peppered throughout the festival where you can feast like royalty on chopped sandwiches, hot dogs, and pigtail fries.
Lexington Barbecue Festival/Facebook
Just another finger-licking good day in paradise!

What do you think of this BBQ Festival in North Carolina? Have you been before? Let us know what your favorite part was in the comments below. The 40th annual 2024 Barbecue Festival is slated for October 26, 2024; sure to visit the Barbecue Festival website for a full event schedule, and don’t forget to give them follow this Barbecue Festival on Facebook so you can stay up to date as the festival draws closer.

Lexington has some of the best barbecue in North Carolina, and you may want to try a few different restaurants while you’re in town! If you want to stay in town for a little while longer then book a stay at this historical rental right in the heart of the action.

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