Las Vegas BBQ Festival returns to Red Rock Harley-Davidson on November 7th, 2026 for an afternoon of barbecue, live music, vendors, raffles and family activities. The fourth annual festival runs from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and gives attendees a chance to sample competition barbecue while helping choose their favorite team.
Organized by the Nevada BBQ Association, the event brings barbecue teams together to compete for a $6,000 prize pool. Spectator admission is free, while optional BBQ Sample Packs allow guests to taste entries from the competitors and cast a vote.
Sample the Competition BBQ
Teams will compete in several categories, including chicken drums, ribs, and a Cook’s Choice BBQ side. The competition is built around public tasting, so festival visitors can purchase sample tickets and try food directly from participating barbecue teams.
A $20 BBQ Sample Pack includes five sample tickets and one voting token. Each sample ticket can be exchanged for one competition sample, such as one rib, one chicken drum or a 4-ounce BBQ side. Sample packs are subject to availability, so purchasing ahead is recommended for anyone who wants to participate in the tasting.
You Get to Help Pick a Winner
The Las Vegas BBQ Festival adds a public-voting element to the competition. After sampling the barbecue, guests can use the voting token included with the sample pack to support their favorite team.
The format makes the festival more interactive than a standard food event, giving attendees a direct role in the competition while trying different barbecue styles throughout the afternoon.
Live Music, Vendors and Family Activities
Beyond the barbecue competition, the festival includes live music, vendor booths, games and raffles. The event is promoted as family-friendly, so visitors can spend time around the competition area even if they do not purchase a sample pack.
The festival is also pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring dogs while enjoying the outdoor activities. Pet owners should keep animals under control and be mindful of the crowds, food service areas, and other guests.
Beer Garden for Guests 21+
Adults can visit the 21+ Beer Garden, which is scheduled to serve craft beer and alcoholic slushies during the festival. A valid ID is required for alcohol purchases.
Food samples, alcoholic drinks, and purchases from participating vendors are separate from the free spectator admission.
Outdoor Festival at Red Rock Harley-Davidson
The BBQ teams will be set up outside Red Rock Harley-Davidson at 2260 S. Rainbow Blvd. The festival is therefore primarily an outdoor event, and guests should plan for the day’s weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking between the competition teams and vendors.
Free parking is available. Will Call and on-site ticket sales open at 11:30 AM, followed by the Honor Guard and National Anthem at noon. BBQ sampling begins at approximately 12:15 PM.
Tickets and Registration
Spectator admission is free. Guests who want to taste the competition barbecue can purchase a $20 BBQ Sample Pack with five sample tickets and one voting token. Sample packs are subject to availability and may sell out.
