Downtown Bel Air will smell like smoke and victory this weekend. The Maryland State BBQ Championship returns Friday and Saturday, and if you have never been, this is the year to fix that.
🔥 What We Know: The Bel Air Downtown Alliance brings back the Maryland State BBQ Championship — also known as the BBQ Bash — to Downtown Bel Air on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10. Fidelity Power Systems is the presenting sponsor. More than 25 competition teams will battle it out for barbecue glory, joined by food vendors, food trucks, live music, and family activities. Admission is free. Parking is free. The only thing that will cost you is your dignity when you eat an entire rack of ribs in public.
📅 When to Show Up: Friday’s action runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday’s festivities kick off at noon and run until 10 p.m. Saturday gives you a full day to pace yourself — a skill that will be tested.
📍 Getting There: Free parking is available, and shuttles run from satellite lots to the event. The organizers strongly suggest bringing a chair, which is the kind of advice that sounds obvious until you are standing for six hours holding a brisket sandwich.
📱 Your Secret Weapon: Download the Rallie Inc. app before you go. It features interactive maps, live updates, and ways to participate in the event. Think of it as your barbecue command center.
🗓️ What’s Next: The Maryland State BBQ Championship runs this Friday and Saturday in Downtown Bel Air. For more event planning information, visit HelloHarford.com.