MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. (September 9, 2026) – The 30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, returns to the North Lawn at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® on Friday, November 6 from 5:30-8 p.m., bringing together barbecue enthusiasts for an evening of unlimited samples, live music, local vendors and more, with proceeds benefiting The Sonder Project.
Upon entry, guests will be checked in through the Welcome Lounge presented by David Scott Lee Buick GMC before making their way through the festival’s lineup of 18 regional and local eateries. Barbecue fans can sample unlimited barbecue as restaurants and pitmasters compete for the coveted title of “Best BBQ.” Those confirmed to compete at this year’s event include 850 Barbecue, Back Beach Barbecue, Cabana Café, Cajun Corner, Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue, H&N BBQ Co., Island Wing Company, LaCo, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Moe’s Original BBQ, Signature Catering of 30A, Sons of Amvets Post 29, Sunset Slice and Scoop, Swiftly Catered, The Commissary, The Perfect Pig, The Village Door, and Vin’tij Food and Wine. Attendees will vote to determine the first-, second- and third-place winners, while a panel of guest judges will sample each dish and award the overall “Judge’s Choice” and “Most Creative” honors.
“The 30A BBQ Festival is truly a community event, bringing together local restaurants, businesses, volunteers and neighbors in support of our mission,” said Chad Zibelman, CEO of The Sonder Project. “It is also our largest fundraiser of the year, and with our biggest lineup of barbecue vendors yet, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another incredible evening.”
Guests can capture the moment in the commemorative photo booth, sponsored by 30A Luxury Vacations, before browsing an array of local vendors, including The 30A Company, 30A Hat Bar, Dozer Custom Trucker Hats, Pool Captains, The Eye Gallery and The Spark Collection. Local artist Bradley Copeland will also showcase her original artwork and create a one-of-a-kind piece live throughout the event. The completed work will be auctioned during the silent auction, alongside an exciting selection of additional items such as vacation stays, gift cards, gift baskets, jewelry and more. All silent auction proceeds will directly benefit The Sonder Project.
The Sonder Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to transform lives in Africa. Since its founding in 2015 in Santa Rosa Beach, The Sonder Project has drilled 77 wells providing clean water to 70,000 plus people, sponsored 458 students to attend school over 1,018 cumulative school years, distributed textbooks to over 1,500 students, and maintains a community farm providing economic opportunity and food security for over 1,000 people. Learn more at thesonderproject.org.
General admission tickets are on sale for $70 and include access to the festival, unlimited barbecue samples, and complimentary beer and wine. There are a limited number of tickets available for children ages 12 and under for $20.
VIP tickets are available for $150 and include all general admission benefits, plus an array of exclusive perks. VIP guests will enjoy early access to the festival beginning at 5 p.m., providing the first opportunity to sample offerings from each barbecue vendor. They’ll also have access to a private VIP Lounge featuring a full bar, additional seating with a prime view of the stage, a dedicated photo booth sponsored by Blankenship Watkins Advisory Group, and sweet treats from Kilwins Sandestin, courtesy of SOJO. To top it off, VIP ticket holders will receive a special gift, sponsored by Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Both general admission and VIP tickets can be purchased online at www.thesonderproject.org/BBQFEST.
30A BBQ Festival would like to thank the additional businesses and individuals sponsoring this year’s event, including 20/30north Studios, 30A, 30A Distilling, Avari, Barker Williams & Shoreline Title, Bracken Law, Campesino Rum, Distillery 98, Fine Coastal Cuisine Professional Chef Services, Grand Boulevard, Palm Folly, Panache Tent and Event, Pura Vida Improvements, Scenic Sotheby’s, VIP 30A Magazine, Visit South Walton, and Wells Fargo Advisors
