The 11th Annual Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival August 30 through September 1 showcases why everything is bigger in Texas by combining the Lone Star State’s love of food and music with pitmasters and performers from across the country. Tickets can be purchased in advance online for the Labor Day weekend festival; general admission tickets and parking are free August 30.
Back by popular demand, the BBQ Triple Play competition is returning for its second year after a successful (and sold out entry) in 2018. The competition will once again have three sanctioning organizations participating: International Bar-B-Que Cookers Association (IBCA), Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), and Steak Cookoff Association (SCA). Pitmasters from across the U.S. will compete for more than $20,000 in prizes and in 14 categories that include the best chicken, pork ribs, pork, brisket, beans, sauce, dessert and steak.
BBQ Triple Play registration is open for all three individual events (SCA, IBCA, KCBS). Cash prizes will be awarded for each competition at award ceremonies throughout the weekend:
- Friday, August 30: SCA starting at 6:00PM
- Saturday, August 31: IBCA starting at 12:00PM
- Sunday, September 1: KCBS starting at 12:00PM
Teams may also participate in the popular People’s Choice competition August 31, 4:30PM -6:30PM. Incentives are given to teams competing in this event and include additional exposure, extra wristbands and a closer competition location. Participating teams will also receive a pork butt (that can be used in competition or saved) and teams will be eligible for raffle prizes.
The barbecue will not be the only thing smoking hot; live music takes place on two stages throughout the weekend and includes performances by renowned legends and local favorites. GRAMMY-winning, chart-topping blues performer Boz Scaggs takes the stage Sunday at 9:30PM, headlining a live music schedule of 16 entertainers, including co-headliners the Peterson Brothers Band Friday at 8:30PM and JJ Grey & Mofro Saturday at 9:30PM.
The event also features a marketplace with more than 70 artisan, craft and commercial vendors, and Moritz Kia will offer a ride-and-drive event during the festival from 2:00PM to dusk. Hosted by City of Bedford and sponsored by Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford, approximately 17,000 people are expected to attend Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival. Hours of operation are Friday 6:00PM to 10:00PM, Saturday 2:00PM to 10:00PM, and Sunday 2:00PM to 10:00PM. The event takes place across from Bedford City Hall at 1951 L. Don Dodson Drive, Bedford, TX, 76021.
Tickets are on sale and start at $10 per person; specialty seating and VIP packages are also available. General admission and parking are free Friday, August 30. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.bedfordbluesfest.com/.
