The Barbecue Festival takes place annually in Lexington, NC, aka the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” on the fourth Saturday in October. The festival ranks among the largest one-day festivals in the Southeast.
Visitors flock to Main Street to celebrate Lexington-style, wood-smoked pork barbecue and enjoy live music on six stages. A variety of attractions and activities add to the festivities, including a 50-ton pig-themed sand sculpture, classic car shows, roving street performers and bicycle stunt shows.
However, the main event is barbecue, served from giant tents where pitmasters chop and serve Lexington-style ’cue with the area’s famous vinegar-and-tomato dip and coleslaw. More than 200 merchant tents line the streets, selling arts and crafts, commercial goods and additional festival foods. It’s the one day a year Amtrak provides train service to Lexington.
Admission is free, and hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
