Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival to Feature Grilling, Music, Fun

Seventy-five cook teams, comprised of pitmasters from across the southeast, are set to compete for over $15,000 in cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights in the Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival. 

The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition and Backyard BBQ amateur contest will take place in Adams Park on Friday, Aug. 23 from 6 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Vendors, including several cook teams, will be selling barbeque, beer and other festival foods as well as arts, crafts and general merchandise.

Live music will be offered on both days. Friday’s lineup includes the Lefty Williams Band and Seven Handle Circus. Hannah DeLane, Rolling Nowhere and Slippery When Wet, an Atlanta-based Bon Jovi tribute band, are scheduled to perform on Saturday. 

A family entertainment stage featuring area dance ensembles, choir groups and solo music artists will be located in the Kid Zone, along with inflatables, interactive games and other child-friendly activities.

The festival will conclude with an inspirational fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m.

New this year is “Kickin' Pigs,” a recreational co-ed kickball and cornhole tournament that will take place on Saturday. 

Kickball teams must consist of at least 12 co-ed players, with four females in the field at all times. The registration fee is $240 per team. Pre-registration is required.

The cornhole tournament is open to co-ed teams consisting of 2-4 players. Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing bags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. The registration fee is $30 per team. Pre-registration is accepted. Walk-ups are welcome    

A “Bags & Balls” walk-up competition will also be offered on Saturday for individual competitors in several field games including a cornhole toss, bocce ball roll, and kicking range.