Tampa Bay BBQ Festival fires up Vinoy Park this weekend

If you don't have plans this weekend, I've got you covered. The Tampa Bay Barbecue Festival is rolling back into Vinoy Park on Saturday and Sunday, May 23–24 — and if you've been before, you already know this one belongs on the calendar every single year.

What it is (and why it slaps)

The annual Tampa Bay Barbecue Festival at Vinoy Park is packed with smoky brisket, juicy chicken, fall-off-the-bone ribs, craft beer, and cocktails — with over 100 barbecue dishes from Florida's best competition teams on offer.

That's not hyperbole; the sheer volume of smoke rising over the waterfront on a Saturday afternoon is basically a homing beacon for anyone within a five-mile radius.

Both days run Saturday and Sunday, May 23–24, from 1:00–9:00 PM at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

The competition is the real draw

This isn't just people grilling burgers in a parking lot.

Saturday is competition day, where barbecue teams go head-to-head in four judged categories — brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs — with a panel of trained judges scoring entries on flavor, tenderness, and texture.

You get a vote too.

There's a People's Choice Competition alongside the judged event, and each competing team sells a sampler platter that includes brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs.

That means you can eat your way through the competition and cast your ballot at the same time.

Competing teams this year include Big Red BBQ, Meathead's BBQ, Southern Smoked by JP, Liberty Smokehouse, Son of a Brisket, Uncle G's BBQ, and more.

Beyond the 'cue

Beyond the food, the festival features live mural artists creating artwork in real time, craft beer and cocktail bars, cornhole and festival games, live DJs and entertainment, and waterfront views with outdoor seating areas.

Saturday's main stage lineup includes performances by Rodney Atkins, Austin Snell, Noah Hunton, and Owen Riegling.

The whole thing is held outdoors at Vinoy Park on the water, and it runs rain or shine — tents, tables, and chairs are set up for comfort.

Children 13 and under get in free, though some areas require guests to be 21+.

Leashed dogs are also welcome, with owners responsible for cleanup.

Tickets and getting there

Ticket options range from a free RSVP general admission all the way up to VIP, Boss Hog VIP, Platinum VIP, and Pit Pass experiences.

Buying online in advance will save you a few bucks —

tickets are available at the gate but at an additional cost.

Parking around Vinoy is always tight during events.

Parking is very limited around Vinoy Park — the organizers recommend the SouthCore Garage at 101 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

I'd also throw out the Pier District garages as a solid backup, or just rideshare and skip the headache entirely.

Why this matters for the neighborhood

Events like this one are a big reason why waterfront property in downtown St. Pete commands what it does. Vinoy Park hosts festivals nearly every month of the warm season, and that foot-traffic energy bleeds directly into Beach Drive, the surrounding Old Northeast, and Snell Isle — neighborhoods where buyers consistently ask me, "What's the walkability like? What's there to do?" The answer, this weekend, involves a brisket platter and a cold craft beer with a view of Tampa Bay. If you're weighing whether downtown St. Pete is the right fit for your next move, I'd start here — and check out what home values in the 33701 zip code are doing while you're at it.

See you out there. I'll be the one arguing with strangers about who had the best ribs.