A First-timer’s Guide to Attending the Catskills BBQ Festival
The Catskills BBQ Festival promises to be an unforgettable weekend, drawing thousands of BBQ lovers, families, and adventure seekers from all over. Whether you’re new to BBQ festivals or a seasoned attendee, this guide is designed to provide all the information you need to make the most of your first experience at this event. Taking place from June 6-8 at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds in Grahamsville, NY, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Catskill Mountains, the festival offers a perfect blend of mouth-watering BBQ, exciting competitions, lively entertainment, and fun activities for all ages.
Why You Should Attend the Catskills BBQ Festival
Attending the Catskills BBQ Festival is an experience unlike any other, offering more than just BBQ. This festival is about embracing the spirit of summer, connecting with the community, and enjoying a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a dedicated BBQ fan or just looking for an enjoyable weekend, the festival’s diverse activities ensure there’s something for everyone.
Here are some reasons why this festival stands out:
- Best BBQ
The festival showcases some of the finest BBQ pitmasters, with regional and national chefs competing for the title of the best BBQ in categories like chicken, ribs, and pork. - Breathtaking Scenic Views
Held in the Catskill Mountains, the festival offers attendees a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while indulging in delicious food and activities. - Vibrant Atmosphere
With live music, interactive contests, and family-friendly activities, the festival offers an exciting, lively experience you won’t find anywhere else.
What’s Happening at the Festival?
Catskills BBQ Festival is not just about great food it’s a celebration of community, fun, and everything BBQ! Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the festival offers something for everyone. From the sizzling competitions that will have your taste buds dancing to the vibrant entertainment and family-friendly activities, this event promises to be a weekend full of excitement and unforgettable memories. Let’s dive into the most anticipated activities and experiences you won’t want to miss:
People's Choice Wings Contest (Saturday, June 7)
One of the most interactive and exciting events of the festival, the People’s Choice Wings Contest is a crowd favorite! Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to sample a variety of expertly grilled and sauced wings from participating BBQ teams. After indulging in these flavorful creations, you’ll cast your vote for the best wings of the competition. The team with the most votes will earn festival-wide recognition, a well-deserved prize, and ultimate bragging rights.
With limited tickets available for this event, securing your spot in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your chance to taste and vote!
KCBS Backyard BBQ Contests (June 7 & 8)
The KCBS Backyard BBQ Contests offer an exciting platform for skilled backyard grillers to step into the world of competitive barbecue. This event showcases incredible BBQ talent as teams prepare mouthwatering dishes with precision, passion, and creativity. Whether you’re a competitor testing your skills or a BBQ fan enjoying the smoky flavors, this contest is a great way to experience the energy of live competition.
Attendees will get to witness up-and-coming BBQ masters in action, learning firsthand what it takes to create competition-worthy barbecue. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a variety of expertly cooked BBQ dishes and immerse yourself in the thrill of the competition.
KCBS 1-Meat Ribs Contest (June 6)
For those who take their BBQ seriously, the 1-Meat Ribs Contest is a must-see event! Some of the best BBQ teams will fire up their grills to craft the most tender, flavorful, and smoky ribs in pursuit of the festival’s prestigious rib title. Every team will put their best techniques to the test, from seasoning and smoking to achieving the perfect balance of tenderness and taste.
This competition is an absolute treat for rib lovers, offering a chance to watch master grillers in action while enjoying the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked perfection. Be there to witness the intense flavors and the battle for the best ribs at the festival!
Optional Pork Ancillary (June 8)
An additional highlight of the festival, the Pork Ancillary competition allows BBQ teams to showcase their expertise in crafting the ultimate pork dish. This optional contest challenges competitors to push the boundaries of creativity and technique, delivering dishes that impress both visually and in flavor.
A panel of expert judges will evaluate each entry based on taste, presentation, and originality, with the top three teams earning well-deserved recognition. Whether you’re competing or just enjoying the show, this event promises an exciting display of BBQ artistry.
More Festival Fun
Catskills BBQ Festival is more than just a normal event. It’s a full-fledged celebration packed with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, delightful beverages, and unique shopping experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, you’ll find plenty of ways to make unforgettable memories. Here’s a detailed guide to everything you can expect beyond the delicious BBQ contests.
1) Live Music & Entertainment
Music is an essential part of the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re eating, relaxing, or mingling with fellow festival-goers, live music adds an extra layer of fun to the event. You’ll enjoy a range of genres from high-energy rock bands to laid-back acoustic sets. It’s the perfect soundtrack for your BBQ indulgence. Plus, the bands are talented, and you’ll be dancing along in no time!
What to Expect:
- Live performances from local and regional bands.
- Genres like rock, country, and acoustic.
- A lively ambiance that will keep the festival vibe fun and festive.
2) Family Fun & Free Kids’ Activities
The Catskills BBQ Festival is a great event for the whole family. While the adults are busy enjoying BBQ and drinks, the kids can have fun at the free kids’ activities available at the festival. From arts and crafts stations where kids can create their own BBQ-themed masterpieces to games and inflatables, your children will have plenty of things to do while you indulge in all the delicious food and entertainment. It’s a great way to keep the little ones entertained while you explore the festival.
Activities for Kids:
- Face painting and BBQ-themed crafts.
- Bouncy castles and inflatable play areas.
- Interactive games to keep kids engaged.
3) Beer, Wine & Spirits
Great BBQ deserves great drinks to pair with it, and the Catskills BBQ Festival has you covered. From local craft beers to artisan cocktails made with unique spirits, the beverage offerings here will delight every taste. Whether you prefer a cold beer on a sunny day or a glass of fine wine, the festival has a drink for you. You’ll also find unique local spirits to sample, adding a distinct touch to your BBQ experience.
What You’ll Find:
- Local breweries showcasing craft beers.
- Handcrafted cocktails made with artisanal spirits.
- Fine wines from regional wineries.
4) Vendors & Shopping
When you’re not indulging in delicious BBQ, take some time to explore the vendor booths offering everything from BBQ accessories to local crafts. Whether you’re looking for a new set of grilling tools or a handmade souvenir from the Catskills region, you’ll find plenty of unique items to take home. It’s a great way to support local artisans and find something special to remember the event by.
Vendor Highlights:
- BBQ tools and rubs to perfect your grilling at home.
- Local crafts, art, and souvenirs.
- Unique BBQ-themed products for all ages.
Tickets & Other Details
Catskills Barbecue Festival is a fun-filled, family-friendly event, and the best part? It’s completely free to attend! Yep, you read that right, there’s no general admission fee, which means you and your family can enjoy a whole day packed with live music, unique vendors, and plenty of activities for all ages (some of which are free, while others have a small fee).
Now, if you’re feeling competitive and want to join in the action, like entering the People’s Choice Wings Contest or the BBQ Contest, you’ll need to grab a ticket for those specific events. It’s all about enjoying the vibe, but for the contests, a little ticket purchase goes a long way in making the experience even more exciting!
Lodging & Accommodations
Planning to stay for the weekend? The Sullivan Catskills region offers a variety of lodging and camping options for visitors. Whether you prefer camping under the stars or a comfortable bed & breakfast, there’s something for everyone.
For a full list of hotels, inns, and campgrounds, visit the official Sullivan Catskills website and book your stay in advance. Staying near the festival lets you enjoy the event while experiencing the beauty of the Catskills.
Final Tips for First-timers
Arrive Early
Getting to the festival early allows you to explore the venue, find the best spots, and enjoy the full experience without feeling rushed. Early arrival also helps you avoid long entry lines and secure a good place for performances or activities.Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
Festivals often involve a lot of walking, standing, and dancing, so it’s essential to wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes. Consider checking the weather forecast and dressing accordingly, whether it’s lightweight clothes for a sunny day or layers for cooler evenings.Stay Hydrated
With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, especially if you’re indulging in BBQ, drinks, or other festival treats. Carry a reusable water bottle and take advantage of hydration stations to keep yourself refreshed throughout the day.Bring Cash
While many vendors accept cards and digital payments, having some cash on hand can be helpful, especially for smaller vendors or in case of technical issues with card machines. It can also speed up transactions and reduce waiting time.Plan Your Transportation
Festival weekends can get busy, so it’s wise to plan how you’ll get there and back. Consider carpooling with friends to save on parking costs, using public transport to avoid traffic congestion, or checking if the festival offers shuttle services. If you’re driving, arrive early to secure a convenient parking spot.
Conclusion
Catskills BBQ Festival is not just a weekend of incredible food it’s a celebration of community, adventure, and the spirit of summer. Whether you’re savoring mouthwatering BBQ, dancing to live music, or enjoying fun-filled activities with the family, there’s no shortage of excitement awaiting you in the heart of the stunning Catskill Mountains. With world-class chefs, unique competitions, and unforgettable entertainment, this festival promises to create memories you’ll cherish long after the last bite of BBQ. So grab your tickets, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a weekend filled with flavor, fun, and festivities! See you at the Catskills BBQ Festival 2025 it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
