30A BBQ Festival Returns to Grand Boulevard Nov 7

30A BBQ Festival returns to the North Lawn at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 7 with proceeds benefiting The Sonder Project.

Both general admission and VIP tickets can be purchased online at www.bit.ly/30ABBQ2025.

Barbecue lovers and aficionados are invited to enjoy live music and sample unlimited barbecue from various regional and local eateries, each competing for the title of “Best BBQ”. Restaurants and pitmasters confirmed to compete at this year’s event include 3 Sons BBQ, Auston’s Oyster Bar and Grill, Back Beach Barbecue, Cajun Corner, Cinders and Salt, Evie Mae's Barbecue, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Moe's Original BBQ, Sons of Amvets Post 29, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KÜ's BBKÜ, The Village Door, Vin'tij Food and Wine, and more. Attendees will choose 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” winner. 

“Every year the competition gets more delicious, so we can’t wait to taste what this year’s vendors have on their grills,” said Chad Zibelman, CEO of 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 68 wells providing clean water to 65,000+ people, sponsored 394 students to attend school over 791 cumulative school years, distributed textbooks to over 1,500 students, maintains a community farm providing economic opportunity and food security for over 1,000 people, and much more. Last year, the 2024 30A BBQ Festival raised $103,228 to support these efforts and the goal is to raise $125,000 in 2025.

For guests traveling from out of town, there are special room rates available. To book a room at Hotel Effie, visit www.bit.ly/EffieBBQ and use code ES7, or to book a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, visit www.sandestin.com and use code BBQ30A.  Additional lodging is also available through presenting sponsor 360 Blue, at www.360blue.com.