The 2026 Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is a Celebration of Taste and Tradition, featuring seven of North Carolina’s most accomplished pitmasters in one of the most picturesque settings in the state.
Presented by US. Foods, Pinehurst Resort, Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Lin Hutaff’s Pinehurst Realty Group and Our State magazine, the three-day festival, staged in the Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary experience of mouthwatering barbecue meats and traditional Southern sides.
Pinehurst Barbecue Festival Events
Friday, September 4, 2026:
High On The Hog Gourmet
Pitmaster Dinner
Pinehurst Fair Barn
6:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday, September 5, 2026
”Q”-School Grilling Class
Moore County Airport
11:00am-1:00pm
Bourbon & Bites
Carolina Hall, Carolina Hotel
5:00pm-7:00pm
Sunday, September 6, 2025:
Pitmaster Invitational
Village of Pinehurst
Early Admission*: 11:00am
General Admission: Noon
Event Ends: 4:00pm
*Early Entry Ticket Required
High On The Hog Gourmet Pitmaster Dinner
Friday, September 4
Gourmet ‘Cue, cocktails & good times hosted by Matthew Register (Southern Smoke BBQ) & Lewis Donald (Sweet Lew’s BBQ)
“Q” School Grilling Class
Saturday, September 5
Discover the intricacies of fine whiskey and bourbons with tastings and paired appetizers, located at the Carolina Hotel’s Carolina Hall.
Join us at the Moore County Airport for a crash course in all things grilling from Pitmaster Ron Simmons.
Bourbon & Bites
Saturday, September 5
Pitmaster Invitational - Sunday, September 6
Join seven legendary pitmasters from around North Carolina for a sampling of meats and traditional Southern sides!
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival.
Email: info@pinehurstbarbecuefestival.com
Peter Stilwell, Co-Founder
910.528.7101
Dave Droschak, Co-Founder
919.630.6656