The Lexington BBQ Festival 2017 brought together regional pitmasters, local craft vendors, and thousands of visitors in a celebration of low-and-slow smoke. This year highlighted bold flavor, competitive grilling, and community support for nearby charities.
Below is a snapshot of the event structure, lineup highlights, and key visitor details for quick reference.
| Festival Date | Location | Featured Teams | Ticket Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 14–15, 2017 | Lexington Convention Center Grounds | Team Tasty, MoJoe BBQ, RUB, Bice’s KY Smokehouse | Weekend Pass, Single Day, VIP |
| Competition Kickoff | Main Pavilion | Pork, Rib, Brisket, Chicken Categories | Judged & Taste-N-Score Experience |
| Saturday Showcase | Side Court & Patio | Local Brew Pairings, Live Fire Demos | Included with Any Ticket |
| Family Zone Hours | Kid’s Activity Area | Games, Face Paint, Art Stations | Free for Children Under 12 |
Competition Ribs and Brisket Highlights
Smoke Ring and Bark Consistency
Judges evaluated bark adhesion, smoke ring depth, and tenderness across pork ribs and brisket entries. Clear bark with a mahogany hue signaled proper temperature control and rub adherence.
Sauce Profiles and Rub Philosophy
Teams balanced sweet, spicy, and tangy elements, with many showcasing regional styles from tomato-forward to vinegar-based bastes. Rub layering played a key role in overall complexity.
Live Cooking Demos and Schedule
Saturday Fire Management Session
Experienced pitmasters demonstrated split load techniques, wood selection, and steady temperature maintenance for long cooks. Crowd favorites included oak-hickory blends for brisket.
Sunday Q&A with Contestants
Competitors shared insights on rub timing, injection marinades, and stall management, giving attendees practical tips to apply at home backyard cooks.
Local Vendors and Craft Beer Pairings
Regional Sauce Makers
Dozens of regional brands offered samples, from molasses-rich finishes to Carolina gold-style mustard sauces, allowing visitors to explore flavor diversity.
Kentucky Brew Collaborations
Local breweries curated flight pairings with smoky ribs and peppery brisket, highlighting citrus-forward pale ales and roasty stouts that cut through rich sauces.
Visitor Logistics and Venue Navigation
Parking and Shuttle Access
Multiple lots around the convention center operated on a first-come basis, with shuttles running every 15 minutes from overflow areas during peak hours.
Seating and Accessibility
Covered pavilion seating, ADA-friendly paths, and shaded rest areas ensured comfort across the two-day event for families and solo attendees alike.
Tips for Future Festival Goers
- Arrive early on Saturday to secure shaded seating near the main stage.
- Try at least one unfamiliar regional sauce to broaden your flavor palette.
- Bring cash for smaller vendor booths that may not accept cards.
- Check the festival app for real time schedule updates and judge announcements.
- Stay hydrated and plan restroom breaks between heavy tasting sessions.
- Share experiences on social channels with the official event hashtag to support participating teams.
Memorable Moments of the 2017 Lexington BBQ Festival
The festival reinforced Lexington’s reputation as a barbecue destination through spirited competition, craft beverage innovation, and crowd engagement. Attendees left with new recipes, broader flavor perspectives, and connections to the local culinary community.
FAQ
Reader questions
What were the competition start times each day?
Pork and chicken judging began at 11:00 a.m., brisket and rib contests at 1:00 p.m., with live demos scheduled between rounds.
Can visitors enter the judging taste tests?
Yes, the Taste-N-Score sessions were open with wristbands provided at check-in, allowing attendees to evaluate texture and smoke flavor.
Are outside coolers and seating allowed?
Clear small coolers were permitted, while collapsible chairs could be brought in, though limited seating was available on a first-come basis.
What rules applied to photography and social posts?
Event staff welcomed social media coverage, but contestant portrait sessions required permission, and drone flights were restricted near the venue.