Even though barbecue is the rightful star, this fundraiser for the Murfreesboro Fire Department also features a vendor fair and a car and tractor show.
murfreesboroncvfd.com/PorkFest
Few things go together better than barbecue, baseball, and beer. Enjoy all three at Historic Fleming Stadium, home of the Wilson Tobs.
For 22 years, this cook-off has added a savory touch to North Carolina’s homegrown blueberry celebration.
ncblueberryfestival.com/whole-hog-bbq-cook-off
Tradition is key at this festival, but a tasting of “reimagined” barbecue dishes might expand your horizons.
For ’cue with a view, head up to the whole-hog cook-off at the Mountain State Fair.
wholehogbarbecue.com/series/mountain-state-fair-cookoff-2
The largest and longest-running event in Orange County celebrates the pig with music, a car show, a 5K, and, of course, barbecue.
Proceeds will help local organizations like Dogwood Disaster Relief, which supports community members in need.
Instead of a whole hog, each team will have to cook chicken, ribs, pork, and beef brisket to win the grand championship.
downtownrockymount.com/events/eastern-carolina-bbq-throw-down
For 41 years, the “Barbecue Capital of the World” has celebrated its iconic style of ’cue with help from hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The home of Mt. Olive Pickles will highlight its local staple — complete with a barbecue cook-off and craft beer.
This cook-off at the New Bern fire station will raise funds for the volunteer fire department in nearby Reelsboro.
wholehogbarbecue.com/series/save-the-date-reelsboro-fire-dept-bbq
Each spring, several blocks along the Neuse River showcase music, a carnival, and the country’s biggest whole-hog barbecue cook-off.
The Ham and Yam Festival celebrates Johnston County’s best-known commodities — and the Smithfield Firefighters Association Whole Hog Competition brings another local icon to Smithfield’s festival grounds.
johnstoncountync.org/ham-and-yam-festival
Last year, the Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship was held in Washington, where Mayor Donald Sadler helped judge entries. photograph by Caitlyn Randall with the NC Pork Council
Every sanctioned whole-hog competition in North Carolina leads to this event, where the best pitmasters in the state vie for the title of champion.
wholehogbarbecue.com/series/whole-hog-barbecue-state-championship-2/
Twenty-five teams will participate in this cook-off, where audience members enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue, slaw, and hush puppies.
Missed a festival? Check out these essential North Carolina barbecue joints.
The influence of a mother’s love — and sometimes her recipes — can be found in restaurant kitchens and on plates in dining rooms across North Carolina.
The oldest hotel in North Carolina was saved from the wrecking ball and has returned to its former glory on the square in downtown Burnsville.
For one family, summiting Stone Mountain is a tradition that strengthens the bond between parent and child.
When a young chef met an aspiring farmer, the two formed a friendship as strong as their love of the land and all it provides.
