Saturday - May 2, 2026

BBQ Fest on the Neuse open to the public from 9am-7pm

7:30am
- Carolina Classic Cruisers Car Show Registration Until 11 am

8:45am
- SHUTTLES BEGIN TRANSPORTING FROM HISTORIC GRAINGER STADIUM (400 E Grainger Ave, Kinston, NC 28501) TO FESTIVAL

9:00am
-DJ at the Herritage St. stage
- Vendors Open (150+)
- CSS Neuse Museum Free Day 100 N. Queen Street
- CSS Neuse II tours
- Farmers Market
- The O’Neil tours

10:00am
- Kid’s Fest – Flimsy’s Fun Zone – Pearson Park – Kinston-Lenoir County Parks & Recreation
- So Fun Amusements – Carnival open until 7 pm
- Wine, Beer, & Spirits Garden – Farmers Market Area
Duplin Winery, Country Squire, Social House Vodka, Coco Bongo, Hinnant Vineyards, Cape Fear Distillery
- Dance Entertainment – MOOVES – Herritage St. Stage
- Bikers for Christ 4th Annual Bike Show – North Street

11:00 am
- BBQ Sandwiches for Sale until Sold Out
- DANCE ENTERTAINMENT - TAPS Choir on the Herritage St. stage
- Chain Reaction BMX Stunt Show - at The Flue 

12:00 pm
- The Mayor’s Golden Key Award Ceremony – Herritage St. Stage

1:00 pm
- Paint the Town Awards
- Hog Happenin’ BBQ Cook-off Awards Ceremony – Herritage St. Stage

2:00 pm
- Nicholas Vernon – Gordon St. Stage
- Carolina Classic Cruisers Awards – Car Show Area
- Chain Reaction BMX Stunt Show - at The Flue

3:00 pm
- 4th Annual Bikers for Christ Awards Ceremony – Gordon Street Stage Area

4:00 pm
- No Quarter Brass Band – Gordon Street Stage

6:00 pm - 9:00pm
- Talk Derby to Me Party at the Community Council for the Arts (Ticketed event)

7:00 pm
- Vendors Close – FESTIVAL CLOSES
- SHUTTLE SERVICE RUNS UNTIL 8:30PM FROM BBQ FEST TO GRAINGER STADIUM (400 E Grainger Ave, Kinston, NC 28501)