Don’t miss these fun events happening this May across the state:
BBQ Fest on the Neuse
May 2-3, 2025, Kinston
Visit the world’s largest whole-hog cook-off during the first weekend in May at the annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse. Held in downtown Kinston, the two-day event welcomes more than 100 barbecue teams competing for the first-place prize in backyard and professional divisions. In addition to the friendly competition and all the delicious barbecue, the event includes live music, carnival rides, more than 150 vendors, a kids’ zone, helicopter tours, a bike show, a car show, dance demonstrations and more. The cook-off takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free, and barbecue will be available for purchase beginning Saturday at 11 a.m. until sold out. For more details, visit kinstonbbq.com or call 252-523-2500.
