Every year, the Arizona BBQ Festival just keeps getting bigger and better! The gents over at Affordable Food Festivals have put in the work and are ready to reveal the fourth go round–it’s looking like the best year yet.
On April 20th from 11am-9pm be sure to head over to Salt River Fields for all that you have come to expect and some sure-to-be-entertaining things you never even thought of! Of course there will be more than 25 of the top barbeque teams competing for titles and sharing samples of their tasty offerings. Don’t let your hunger and desire for all things BBQ monopolize your day, you must make time for the Redneck Games Arena.
“Although some of the most popular barbecue teams from years past will be on hand selling their award-winning ‘que,’ we wanted the event to be crazier. And by crazy, we simply mean mullets and beer pong,” says event Co-Founder, David Tyda.
Ever wanted to compete in a watermelon seed spitting contest, see how far you could hurl a hubcap or play horseshoes with a toilet seat? These and many more Redneck challenges await you in the Arena. Contest winners will become literal rednecks with a customized medal. The individual at the end of the challenges will win a new smoker from Green Mountain Grills (valued at $1000.)
Feeling extra competitive? Why not sign up for the Hooters Chicken Wing Eating Contest? The Hooters girls will be on hand, dishing out spicy wings which could either add to or take away from the spice–depending on your perspective!
While your taste buds and eyes are being tantalized you don’t want to your ears to get jealous! No need to fear, Metalhead will be on stage at 7pm. They are most known for their tribute to bands like Poison, Van Halen and Bon Jovi as well as being featured at the Bird Nest.
Make time to hit up the Sub-Zero/Wolf Cooking Demonstration stage for BBQ classes every hour to see chefs like Lee Hillson of The Phoenician, Gavino Borquez of Top of the Rock and Craig Driml of Uncle Bears Restaurant and maybe pick up a tip or two.
Another new addition to the festival is the Flavored Vodka Tent, complete with the opportunity to sample 10 of the latest and greatest flavored vodkas for only $20. “Flavored vodka is the hottest spirits category right now, and this tent will add to the overall energy of the event.” says Tyda.
VIP Tent: The newest upgrade to the VIP Tent includes five restaurants dishing out their delicious cuisine, making for the best value ticket price around. Top of the Rock, Chompie’s, Grilled Cheese Truck, Wally’s American Pub N’ Grille, the Trophy Room at ASU Karsten Golf Course will all serve food to VIP guests. A smaller Sub-Zero/Wolf cooking demo stage will showcase Scottsdale Culinary Institute students serving creations made with ingredients donated from the Arizona Pork Council.
Tickets: $12 GA (FREE parking made possible by Discount Cab); kids 12 and under, FREE.
Make sure to get your tickets now if you haven’t already. This is a can’t miss event!
Salt River Field is located at 7555 North Pima Road in Scottsdale.