LEXINGTON, N.C. — It's a big year for the Lexington Barbecue Festival! This year the festival turns 40! Come out and celebrate the best of Lexington Barbecue on Saturday, Oct. 26 in Uptown Lexington.
The day features more than 250 vendors, multiple entertainment stages, street performers, a children's area, a 50-ton Pig-themed sand sculpture, car shows, a dinosaur exhibit, a bicycle student show, and much more.
WFMY News 2 will be in the square with a tent and our Treat Trailer to greet News 2 viewers! Viewers who have already downloaded the WFMY App will get a free prize! We'll also be collecting batteries (any size) to take to Helene-impacted communities in Western North Carolina. Come see us!
Here's everything you need to know before heading to the festival:
Admission: FREE
Festival Schedule
Exhibits open - 8:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremony - 9 a.m.
BBQ tents open - 10 a.m.
Exhibits close - 5:30 p.m.
Festival Finale Concert & Fireworks Show - 6-9 p.m.
Barbecue Menu
Tent locations:
W. Center Street
N. Main Street
S. Main St. & 3rd Avenue
BBQ Sandwiches and Hot Dogs
Pepsi booths are located throughout the festival featuring Pepsi products. A free official festival souvenir cup is included with your purchase -- while supplies last.
Uptown Festival Parking
Parking for the festival is located throughout Uptown Lexington in private parking lots. Parking lots are operated by community groups with most charging a daily fee to park.
Do not park on side streets or alleys surrounding the festival. Towing will be enforced.
Barbecue Festival Express
A great way to travel to the festival is by train!
The Piedmont, originating from Raleigh, and the Carolinian, originating from Charlotte, will be making their once-a-year stops in Lexington for the Barbecue Festival.
Visit www.ncbytrain.org or call Amtrak at 1-800-USA RAIL and use station code LEX to book a ride to the festival.
Free Parking & Shuttle Service
Ride the shuttle from Childress Vineyards or Lexington Walmart
- 1000 Childress Vineyards Road
- 160 Lowes Blvd.
Park at Childress Vineyards or Lexington Walmart to be shuttled to the festival.
Handicapped accessible transportation is available at all locations.
Visitors with Disabilities
A parking lot reserved for cars with handicapped permits is located on State Street, between 2nd Street and 3rd Street. State Street runs parallel to Main Street.
Special Note: Restrooms for visitors with disabilities will be located in the parking lot and other designated restroom areas throughout the festival.