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Backyard BBQ Festival

Juicy, smoky ribs are sizzling on a grill, releasing savory aromas as they cook over glowing embers, promising a delicious feast.

Saucy Bites & Fun Nights

May 22 - May 24, 2026 | Schedule Coming Soon

Fire up your appetite for a weekend of smoky barbecue, live music, and laid-back fun. Gather with friends and family to enjoy great food, fresh air, and unforgettable moments.

Event Highlights

  • Live Music
  • Food Vendors
  • Pitmaster Demonstrations
  • Beer & Bourbon
  • Little Piggy Play Station
  • Fireworks

Festival Activities

A mouthwatering stack of tender, shredded meat glazed with a rich, dark barbecue sauce, surrounded by succulent touches.

Know Before You Go

Levenson Shelter

A Flavorful, Fun-Filled Weekend Awaits

Make the most of your weekend with plenty to explore, taste, and enjoy. Throughout the festival, you’ll find expert pitmasters at the Levenson Shelter sharing their craft during live demonstrations—offering a behind-the-scenes look at how great barbecue comes to life. When it’s time to eat, follow your appetite to a variety of food vendors located across the grounds, serving up everything from classic favorites to unique bites.

Be sure to stop by for a refreshing drink, where you can choose from craft and domestic beers, a curated selection of wines, or sample something new at the bourbon tasting station. And for our younger guests, the Little Piggy Play Station at the Levenson Shelter is filled with fun, featuring a bouncy house, bubble zone, and magic show to keep kids entertained all day long.

Stick around on Sunday, May 24 for fireworks at dusk, the perfect way to close out the weekend with a bang.

Whether you’re here for the food, the fun, or time spent together, there’s something waiting for everyone to enjoy.

Festival Hours
Friday, May 22 | 6 - 9 PM
Saturday, May 23 | 11 AM – 9 PM
Sunday, May 24 | 11 AM – 9 PM

A close-up of a hand skillfully playing a guitar, showcasing its rich finish and details, amidst a vibrant outdoor setting.

Live Music Lineup

Levenson Shelter

From laid-back afternoon sets to high-energy evening performances, enjoy a lineup of talented artists that bring the perfect soundtrack to your festival experience.

Friday, May 22
5 - 6:30 PM | New Age Adenas
7:30 – 9 PM | Pyramid Incident

Saturday, May 23
Noon – 1:30 PM | Jason Treuman
2 – 3:30 PM | Tammy Jo & Iron Horse
4 – 6 PM | Company Caravan
7– 9 PM | The Clintones

Sunday, May 24
11 AM – 12:30 PM | Two Of Us
1 – 2:30 PM | The Muddle
3 – 4:30 PM | TBD
5 – 6:30 PM | Gage Joseph Band
7 – 9:00 PM | Fan Halen

A tattooed chef in a dark apron and gloves skillfully handles smoky, grilled ribs on a barbecue.

Pitmaster Demonstrations

Levenson Shelter

Watch and learn as expert pitmasters perform live demonstrations, sharing how they prep, season, and cook delicious barbecue. From flavor-building techniques to behind-the-scenes methods, these sessions offer something for beginners and seasoned grillers alike.

Friday, May 22
6:15 PM | Cooking Demonstration
Watch pitmasters break down techniques, wood selections, and flavor secrets live.

Saturday, May 23
1 PM | ‘Que School: Intro to BBQ
Smokers, sauces, and wood selection—learn the fundamentals from the pros.

4 PM | ‘Que School: Whole Hog Prep & Display
A behind-the-scenes look at whole hog preparation and presentation.

Sunday, May 24
1 PM | ‘Que School: BBQ Appetizers
Learn creative small-bite recipes perfect for your next backyard party.

4 PM | ‘Que School: Whole Hog Prep & Display
A behind-the-scenes look at whole hog preparation and presentation.

‘Que School and Cooking Demos take place at the Demonstration Tent

A delicious pulled pork sandwich piled high with tender meat, drizzled in barbecue sauce, and nestled in a soft bun with hints of coleslaw.

Food Vendors

Multiple Locations

Come hungry and be the first to dig into award-worthy ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and all your backyard barbecue favorites. Food vendors open at 6 PM on Friday, May 22, with a full day of flavor kicking off at 11 AM on Saturday and Sunday. With a wide selection of local favorites and festival bites, there’s something to satisfy every craving all weekend long.

Two bottles of WhistlePig whiskey and PiggyBack rye sit on a wooden barrel, accompanied by a jigger and shot glasses.

Good Libations

Levenson Shelter

Saturday & Sunday | 1 - 6 PM

Raise a glass and enjoy a wide selection of craft and domestic beers, a fantastic assortment of wines, and a bourbon tasting station that’s sure to impress.

Join us on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 from 1–6 PM for the Bourbon Tasting Experience, where you can sample premium bourbons and learn tasting notes from knowledgeable experts.

Silhouettes of people watching a vibrant fireworks display illuminate the night sky, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere.

Fireworks

Oglebay Park Resort

Sunday, May 24 | Dusk

As the sun sets on the weekend, gather with friends and family for a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. Join us on Sunday, May 24 at dusk for a memorable finale—an uplifting celebration of a weekend filled with great food, music, and time well spent together.

Four children joyfully jump together in a colorful inflatable play structure, filled with laughter and vibrant energy.

Little Piggy Play Station

Levenson Shelter

Saturday & Sunday | 1 - 5 PM

Bring the whole family and let the kids join in the fun. The Little Piggy Play Station features a bouncy house, bubble zone, and magic show—plenty to keep children of all ages entertained throughout the day.

Join us on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 from 1–5 PM for the Little Piggy Fun Zone, with inflatables, games, and kid-friendly activities designed to keep the little ones smiling.