Grand Boulevard Hosts 30A BBQ Festival Nov 8

Get down and get smoky at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin during the annual 30A BBQ Festival on November 8, 2024 from 5-8 p.m.

Sample unlimited delectable barbecue from a variety of regional and local restaurants, each competing for the title of “Best BBQ” - 3 Sons BBQ, Back Beach Barbecue, Cinders and Salt, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Evie Mae's Barbecue, Harry T's, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Marrow Private Chefs, Moe's BBQ, The Perfect Pig, The Salty Butcher, Sons of Amvets Post 29, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KU's BarbeKU, Vin'tij Food and Wine, and Watersound Beach Club.

BBQ lovers in attendance will vote for first, second, and third place winners, and a panel of guest judges will sample each dish and award the overall “Judge’s Choice” winner.

Fill your plate with unlimited samples of barbecue along with complimentary beer from Grayton Beer Company, wine, and water courtesy of Grand Boulevard Arts and Entertainment. Throughout the evening, there will be live music by River Dan,  a commemorative photo booth, and a silent auction featuring a variety of items including vacation stays, gift cards, gift baskets, jewelry, and much more.

Originally established in 2016, the 30A BBQ Festival was introduced as the kick-off event to the 30A Half Marathon & 5K Weekend, another local fundraising event led by The Sonder Project.

“The Sonder Project was established in 2015 right here in the 30A area, and this event is our annual opportunity to celebrate with this community that has been so consequential in helping us to empower and change the lives of over 80,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Chad Zibelman, CEO of The Sonder Project. “We expect this year to be the biggest and most memorable BBQ Fest yet and we hope you will join us!”

General admission tickets are on sale now for $55. VIP tickets are also on sale for $125 and include all the same benefits as general admission plus access to an exclusive VIP area that includes complimentary dessert by Kilwins Sandestin, an exclusive VIP photo booth, and a full bar with cocktails. Both general admission and VIP tickets can be purchased online at www.thesonderproject.org/BBQFEST.

For guests traveling from out of town, there will be special room rates available by the festival’s official lodging sponsors, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection. Visit www.Sandestin.com/2510X8 or call 1-800-320-8115 to reserve a room at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort or visit www.bit.ly/30ABBQxHotelEffie to book a room at Hotel Effie. Additional lodging is also available through our presenting sponsor, 360 Blue, at 360blue.com.

Proceeds from the annual event will benefit The Sonder Project, a non-profit organization working to improve lives in Africa. Founded in 2015, The Sonder Project’s mission is to empower impoverished communities through high-impact, sustainable development by providing access to clean water, education, and sustainable agriculture.

Grand Boulevard is South Walton's premier shop, eat, play and stay destination. Located near the entrance to Sandestin, the outdoor lifestyle center features exclusive boutiques and eateries, renowned national retail brands, a wide mix of specialty services, as well as the only movie theater in South Walton where you can catch the latest flicks,

Some of SoWal's most popular cultural events take place in Grand Boulevard: 30A Songwriters Festival, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, Best of the Emerald Coast, Halloween on the BOOlevard and Emerald Coast Theater Company performances.  The Grand Boulevard Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9-1, year round. These events are presented as part of the Coastal Culture Series made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program.

For a list of shops, restaurants, movie show times and events, please visit www.grandboulevard.com. Subscribe to receive exclusive content, event details, and insider information For the latest buzz  follow Grand Boulevard on Facebook.