The 2026 Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is a Celebration of Taste and Tradition, featuring seven of North Carolina’s most celebrated pitmasters in one of the most picturesque settings in the state.
Presented by US Foods, Our State Magazine, Lin Hutaff’s Pinehurst Realty Group, Pinehurst, Southern Pines & Aberdeen Convention & Visitors Bureau and Pinehurst Resort, the three-day festival, staged in the Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary experience of various mouthwatering barbecue meats and traditional sides.
Pinehurst Barbecue Festival Events
Friday, September 4, 2026:
High On The Hog Gourmet
Pitmaster Dinner
Pinehurst Fair Barn
6:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday, September 5, 2026
”Q”-School Grilling Class
Moore County Airport
10:00am-Noon
Bourbon & Bites
Carolina Hall, Carolina Hotel
5:00pm-7:00pm
Sunday, August 31, 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 Barbecue, cocktails and good times hosted by Southern Smoke BBQ’s Matthew Register & Sweet Lew’s BBQ’s Lewis Donald.
“Q” School Grilling Class
Saturday, September 5
Discover the intricacies of fine whiskey with tasting of bourbons and paired appetizers, located at the Carolina Hotel’s Carolina Hall.
Join us at the Moore County Airport on Saturday for a crash course in grilling and barbecue from Pitmaster Ron Simmons!
Bourbon & Bites
Saturday, September 5
Pitmaster Invitational - Sunday, September 6
On Sunday, 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
910.215.0861
Dave Droschak, Co-Founder
919.630.6656