It’s very early on the first Saturday morning in May and the breeze from downtown Kinston carries the aroma of pork slowly cooking on enormous grills. More than 90 cook teams from across North Carolina gather each year to roast whole hogs through the night in preparation for judging. The sweet aroma that fills every block of downtown Kinston is the result of these cooks perfecting their sauces and making sure their pigs are tender and flavorful.

THE 2025 BBQ FEST ON THE NEUSE WILL FEATURE:

• Live music performance by Runaway June
• 150+ vendors including food trucks, arts & crafts, home & garden, jewelry, farmers market & festival merch
• Carolina Classic Car & Truck Show and Bikers For Christ 4th Annual Motorcycle Show
• Beer, Wine & Spirits Garden featuring Kinston’s own Mother Earth Brewing & Social House Vodka
• Fun for kids of all ages [...]