North Carolina is known for its distinctive BBQ style, which is based on slow-cooked pork, vinegar-based sauce, and a variety of seasonings and spices. The state hosts several BBQ competitions and festivals throughout the year, offering opportunities for BBQ enthusiasts to sample and learn about North Carolina-style BBQ.
North Carolina’s BBQ competition season typically runs from late spring to early fall, with most events taking place from May through September. Some notable BBQ competitions and festivals in North Carolina include the Lexington Barbecue Festival in Lexington, the Barbecue Festival in Ayden, and the North Carolina State BBQ Championship in Tryon.
North Carolina-style BBQ is traditionally made with pork shoulder or whole hog, which is slow-cooked over wood or charcoal until tender and flavorful. The meat is then chopped or pulled and served with a vinegar-based sauce that is flavored with a variety of seasonings and spices, including black pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic. The sauce can be either a “Western” style, which is thicker and sweeter, or an “Eastern” style, which is thinner and more tart.
North Carolina’s BBQ scene is influenced by the state’s history and culture, as well as by its proximity to other Southern states and other BBQ hotspots. While pork is the main focus of North Carolina-style BBQ, other meats like chicken, beef, and ribs are also often cooked using the same slow-cooking techniques and flavorings.
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: Bar Ba Brew BBQ CookOff and Craft Brew Festival, Harrisburg, NC. |
| Mar. 25, 2023: Cars and Carnivores Festival, Wake Forest, NC. Contact: Brad Walker, Phone: 919-745-0377, Email: brad@infinledge.com. |
| Apr. 7-8, 2023: Jimbo’s Annual BBQ Competition, Stem, NC. Contact: Jimbo Reynolds, Phone: 919-427-5814, Email: barefootbbqnc@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Bone Suckin’ Sauce Peak City Pig Fest, Apex, NC. Contact: Graham Wilson, Phone: 919-362-7141, Email: graham@peakcitypigfest.com. |
| Apr. 22, 2023: Grate Sauces & Rubs Spring Sizzler (DOUBLE), Goldsboro, NC. Contact: Ralph LeGrand, Phone: 919-920-7590, Email: gratesaucesrubs@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Smokin’ in the Pines, Pinehurst, NC. |
| Oct. 28th, 2023: The American Royal World Series Of Barbecue – Lexington, NC |
