Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket for each individual event?
Yes. Each of the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival’s signature events requires its own separate ticket.
How do tickets for the Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational work?
The Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational is an all-day event in the Village of Pinehurst. While a ticket is not needed for admission into the village, you will need a Sampling Ticket in order to sample food from the seven participating pitmasters. Each Sampling card includes one sample and side from each pitmaster. A la carte/individual samples will not be sold.
Sunday’s event is named the Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational. Who is Christopher Prieto?
Christopher Prieto is a champion pitmaster, book author, barbecue judge and teacher who goes by the moniker #barbecuenerd. Prieto was featured on Food Network BBQ Brawl: Season 2 in 2021 and is regarded as one of the best pitmasters in the country. Prieto has also appeared on Man Fire Food, Good Morning America and Food Network’s Chopped and various other national TV shows over the past decade.
What is an “Early Entry” ticket?
Early Entry tickets for the Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational grant the ticket holder an additional hour of access to Sunday’s Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational, beginning at 11:00am. General ticketholders will not be able to get barbecue samples until 12:00pm.
Is the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival a Family Friendly Event?
The Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational is open to all ages. Due to safety reasons, Children 12 and Under are not able to attend the “Q” School Grilling Class. Children 12-17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No one under 21 is allowed to attend Bourbon & Bites or the High on the Hog Pitmaster Dinner
Children 12 and under receive a complimentary “Kids” Sampling ticket with a paid Adult Sampling ticket for the Pitmaster Invitational.
Can I purchase tickets at the gate?
Yes, as long as tickets last. All events sold out in 2024, so the best way to secure your tickets is to purchase in advance online.
Where should I park Sunday?
Parking is free for this event in and around the Village of Pinehurst. Additional parking can be found across from the Pinehurst Brewing Co., Town Hall area and Pinehurst Elementary School,. where a complimentary shuttle will be running.
Please make sure not to block any driveways of private homes or businesses when parking in and around the Village of Pinehurst.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No outside food or drink is allowed at any of the events of the fourth annual Pinehurst Barbecue Festival. All items are subject to search at all entry points.
What happens if it rains?
The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is a “rain or shine” event. Friday’s High on the Hog Dinner and Saturday’s Bourbon & Bites & Barbecue Reimagined are indoor events.
Where do I get tickets?
Tickets are being sold online in advance through our ticketing partner, TicketSignup. There is no guarantee for “day-of” sales for any of the signature events, so we highly suggest purchasing your tickets in advance to ensure entry into each event.
Are pets permitted to attend?
Pets, on leash, are welcome during the Pitmaster Invitational. We ask that all pets keep their owners under control at all times.
Do I get food at the Q School Grilling Class?
Yes, there will be ample food samples after the grilling class instruction. Pinehurst Brewing Co. will be hand with some of its best brews to sample and purchase.
Can I pay credit or cash at the events?
Either payment will be accepted at most locations for all three days.
Is there designated parking for golf carts?
Yes, in fact, golf cart transportation is encouraged to help cut down on vehicle traffic.
On Sunday, golf cart parking is located in the pine straw area near the Village Green.
Is the event Handicap-accessible?
Patrons with handicapped parking placards are encouraged to park at the Carolina Hotel and shuttle to the Holly Inn during Sunday’s Pitmaster Invitational.
There are handicap-accessible portable toilets available on site during Sunday’s Pitmaster Invitational.