It’s early on the first Saturday morning in May and the breeze from downtown Kinston carries smoke, tangy vinegar, and a sweet hint of the mouthwatering sizzle of pork that has cooked low and slow over enormous grills all night. Welcome to the BBQ Fest on the Neuse–"the largest whole hog cookoff in the world."

More than 90 cook teams from across North Carolina gather each year on the banks of the Neuse River in Kinston to roast whole hogs through the night in preparation for judging the next morning. That sweet aroma that fills five blocks of downtown is the result of these cooks perfecting their sauces and making sure their pigs–splayed on giant grates of custom cookers–are tender, flavorful, and spiced just right. Winners of the tastiest hog go home with bragging rights and a $500 prize.

For 40 years this popular festival has kicked off the spring-summer season Down East with two days of cooking and tasting, live music and events, a car show, and shopping from vendors of all kinds including pottery, t-shirts, toys, and more.

In the past, The BBQ Fest on the Neuse featured artist vendors from the smART Kinston project and beyond, Carolina Classic Car and Truck Show, a beer and wine garden with new brews from sponsor Mother Earth Brewing and other local breweries and wineries, dance performances and the Kinston Shag Club, children’s events and games, and, of course, the "Chop Tent" where you can savor Eastern North Carolina pork in BBQ plates or sandwiches.

Mark your calendars for May 2-3, 2025 for Kinston’s BBQ Fest on the Neuse!

Thursday, May 1st

– 4:45 PM
Shuttle Transport – Historic Grainger Stadium to Festival
– 5-10 PM
R&D Amusements – Carnival in Pearson Park – Downtown Kinston

Friday, May 2nd

– 5:00 PM
Vendors Open (150+)
R&D Amusements – Carnival in
Pearson Park – Downtown Kinston
Cruise-in for Vehicles (2000 and older)
Kids Fest – Flimsy’s Fun Zone
Wine, Beer & Spirits Garden
– 5:30 PM
Opening Ceremony – GI Joe’s/SALUTE
– 6:00 PM
Welcome & Announcement of Cooks teams and Sponsors
– 7:00 PM
Southern Misfits – Country Artists – Herritage St. Stage
– 7:30 PM
Runaway June – Nashville Recording Artists – Herritage St. Stage

Saturday, May 3rd

– 7:30 AM
Carolina Classic Car & Truck Show (Registration Ends @ 11 AM)
– 8:45 AM
Shuttle Transport – Historic Grainger
Stadium to Festival
– 9:00 AM
Vendors Open (150+)
CSS Neuse Museum Free Day – 100 N Queen St.
Farmers Market – Celebrity Guests
-10:00 AM
Kids Fest – Flimsy’s Fun Zone
R&D Amusements – Carnival (Ends at 7 PM)
Wine, Beer & Spirits Garden
MOOVES – Dance Entertainment – Herritage St. Stage
Biker’s for Christ 4th Annual Bike Shop- North Street
– 11:00 AM
BBQ Sandwiches for Sale -( Available until Sold Out)
Dance Entertainment – Herritage St. Stage
– 12:00 PM
The Mayor’s Golden Key Ceremony – Herritage St. Stage
– 1:00 PM Hog Happenin’ BBQ Cook-Off Awards Ceremony – Herritage St. Stage
– 2:00 PM
British Invaders Band (Gordon St Stage)
Carolina Classic Car & Truck Show Awards – Car Show Zone
– 4:00 PM
No Quarter Brass Band – Gordon St.Stage
– 5:00 PM
Horsing Around for the Arts -Community Council for the Arts
– 7:00 PM
Vendor Close – Festival Closes
Shuttles Continues until 8:30 PM