Largest whole hog cook off in the world brings thousands of people downtown

The largest whole hog cook off in the world will bring thousands of people to downtown Kinston to experience good old-fashioned BBQ. The BBQ Fest on the Neuse will be held the first weekend in May.

“This year’s festival will be the largest yet,” said BBQ Fest Board Chair. “From the Lenoir Community College / WRNS Kick-Off concert Friday night featuring Niko Moon, to the spectacular fireworks show afterward sponsored by Sprit – we will see crowds this weekend like never before, all in DOWNTOWN Kinston.”

Starting on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 5:00 pm, the festivities will begin with a vendor market, including more than 125 vendors, beer and wine gardens, and a classic car cruise-in. WRNS will provide stage entertainment. Additional events include the Fun Zone Dance Party with Flimsy the Clown, helicopter tours and so much more. At 8:00 pm, Niko Moon will take the stage with fireworks immediately following the concert.

There will be a shuttle service provided for free from Grainger Stadium to the festival. There will also be BBQ plates to sell at the Grainger Stadium shuttle site.