There's something about the smell of hickory smoke in the air that gets Charlotteans excited.

And on Saturday, May 9, 2026, that smoky aroma will be drifting across Ballantyne's Backyard as the 19th Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival makes its triumphant return to the Queen City.

What Makes This Festival Different

This isn't your average food festival with tiny tasting portions and long lines.

The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is a full-day celebration of everything that makes Southern food culture legendary.

We're talking unlimited beer and bourbon tastings included with your ticket.

Yes, you read that right.

Unlimited.

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast hunting for your next favorite IPA or a bourbon connoisseur looking to discover small-batch gems, you'll have plenty of opportunities to sip and sample.

The Shrine of Swine Returns

The centerpiece of this year's festival is the legendary Shrine of Swine.

Picture whole hogs slow-roasted over wood fires, pitmasters tending to their smoky creations with the kind of dedication usually reserved for religious ceremonies.

Each session features different pitmasters showing off their techniques, sharing stories, and serving up barbecue that will ruin you for grocery store pulled pork forever.

But it's not just about the pork.

The festival also features bacon in all its glorious forms, biscuits that would make your grandmother jealous, and enough sides to fill a Southern picnic table.

More Than Just Food and Drink

While the food and drinks are the main draw, the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival knows how to throw a proper party.

Live bands will be rocking the stage all day long, playing everything from bluegrass to Southern rock.

There's a giant Jenga and Connect 4 setup for those who want to challenge their friends between tastings.

Cigar enthusiasts can enjoy the smoking lounge, and the marketplace is packed with BBQ tools, sauces, and unique finds you won't see anywhere else.

The Tasting Theater sessions are particularly worth checking out.

Master distillers, brewmasters, and pitmasters host intimate sessions where you can learn the craft behind your favorite foods and drinks.

It's the kind of insider knowledge that makes for great conversation at your next dinner party.

The VIP Experience

If you're looking to elevate your festival experience, the VIP ticket is worth considering.

VIP admission gets you in two hours early at noon, giving you first crack at all the tastings before the crowds arrive.

You'll also get a BBQ dinner plate included, access to VIP washrooms, and the same unlimited beer and bourbon sampling that general admission offers.

For serious food and drink lovers, those extra two hours can make a significant difference.

Getting There and Getting Home

The festival runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for general admission and noon to 6 p.m. for VIP at Ballantyne's Backyard, located at 11611 N Community House Road.

Parking is available on-site, but ride-sharing is highly recommended given the nature of the event.

General admission tickets are $42.80 including fees, while VIP runs $93.29.

But here's a pro tip: use promo code CHEAPBBQ20 for 20% off either ticket type.

That discount brings general admission down to about $34, which is a steal for unlimited tastings and entertainment.

Why This Matters for Charlotte

Events like the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival aren't just fun weekend activities.

They showcase Charlotte's growing reputation as a destination for serious food culture.

We're not just a banking city anymore.

We're a city where pitmasters, brewers, and distillers come to share their craft with enthusiastic crowds.

The festival also brings significant economic impact to the Ballantyne area, with thousands of visitors filling local hotels, restaurants, and shops over the weekend.

It's the kind of event that reminds us why Charlotte is such a great place to live, work, and eat.

So grab your friends, designate a driver, and get ready for a day of Southern hospitality at its finest.

Your taste buds will thank you.

Even if your waistline won't.