Will there be multiple styles of barbecue at the festival?
Not at this festival. Although we greatly appreciate all styles of barbecue, we'll only be celebrating and serving one style of barbecue at the festival...Lexington Style!Is there a barbecue cook-off at the festival? No. The festival does not host a barbecue cook-off or competition. We celebrate and showcase authentic Lexington-style barbecue...it’s the star of the show at the festival.
When and Where Is the Festival?
The 42nd Annual Lexington Barbecue Festival will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Uptown Lexington, NC along Main Street and adjacent side streets from 5th Avenue to 4th Street.
Free Admission
Exhibits Open: 8:30 AM
Opening Ceremony at the Grandstand Stage on the Square: 9:00 AM
Barbecue Tents Open: 10:00 AM
Festival Closes: 5:30 PM
Festival Finale Concert: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Located on East 3rd Avenue at the Breeden Insurance Amphitheater)
Is the festival held rain or shine? The festival is held rain or shine. All music stages and attractions are located outdoors.
Where can I park? Parking for the Barbecue Festival is available throughout the uptown area in private parking lots located around the festival's perimeter. Community groups operate parking lots, with most charging a daily parking fee. Important! We urge you not to park on side streets or alleys surrounding the festival. Vehicles parked illegally WILL be towed.
Do you offer handicapped parking?
Yes. A parking lot reserved for vehicles with handicapped permits is located on State Street between 2nd and 3rd Street. State Street runs parallel to Main Street.
Special Note: Restrooms for disabled visitors will be available in the handicapped parking lot, as well as within the general restroom areas located throughout the festival.
What are the festival rules?
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, please observe the following festival rules:
- NO animals or pets, with the exception of certified service animals
- NO coolers
- NO outside alcohol
- NO bicycles, skateboards, scooters, or roller blades
- NO radios or amplified sound devices
- NO distribution of literature or solicitation
- ALL bags and persons are subject to search
Where are the restrooms? The portable restrooms are located at West 2
nd Street beside the Police Department, Stage 3 area on West 3
rd Street, the square behind the Historic Court House, West 3
rd Avenue behind the Pig Themed Sand Sculpture, and East 3
rd Avenue in the amphitheater area.
Is there an area for Lost & Found?
Lost and Found will be located at the
Lexington Police Department, located between 1st and 2nd Street at 106 North Main Street.
If you get home and realize you lost something at the festival, please contact the police department at (336) 243-3308 to inquire about items that may have been turned in.
Where are the ATMs located?
ATMs will be available at several locations throughout the festival. Truist Bank, located at 209 North Main Street, will have multiple ATMs on site. Additional ATMs will be located at the Historic Square near the Grandstand Stage and near the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Main Street in the amphitheater area.
Where can I purchase barbecue at the festival?We'll only be serving & celebrating ONE style of BBQ at the festival-Lexington Style! World Famous Lexington Style Barbecue will be served in 3 locations at the festival. The barbecue tents are located at West Center Street, North Main Street, & South Main and 3
rd Avenue. Barbecue Tent hours: 10am-4pm (or until they sell out!)
Do you offer a shuttle to the uptown area? Free parking and shuttles will operate from Childress Vineyards.
Handicap-accessible transportation is available. The shuttle pick-up/drop-off location at the festival is at 5
th Avenue and South Main Street.
What is the entertainment schedule? The 2026 entertainment schedule will be released in early October 2026.
Is there a cost to attend the festival? The festival offers FREE admission. Bring along money or another form of payment if you’d like to purchase food and beverages, enter the Cork & Craft Hospitality Garden, enjoy the children’s inflatables and games, shop with festival vendors, or support our Uptown merchants.
Where can I find more information? Facebook
www.facebook.com/barbecuefestivalInstagram
www.instagram.com/barbecuefestival/X
x.com/barbecuefestYouTube
www.youtube.com/lexingtonbbqfestival