The fifth annual Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is a Celebration of Taste and Tradition, featuring award-winning pitmaster Christopher Prieto along with many of North Carolina's celebrated pitmasters in one of the most picturesque settings in the state.

Presented by US Foods, Our State Magazine and Pinehurst Resort, the three-day festival - headlined by Prieto - is staged in the Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary experience of various mouthwatering barbecue meats and traditional sides.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, August 29, 2025

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: High On The Hog Gourmet Pitmaster Dinner - Pinehurst Fair Barn

Kicking off three days of great barbecue…Join us for The "High on the Hog" Gourmet Pitmaster dinner at Pinehurst's historic Fair Barn.  Hosted by Pitmaster Matt Register from Southern Smoke Barbecue, in Garland, NC, guests will be treated to some of Matt's best Barbecue dishes and desserts.

The evening includes live entertainment, silent auction and new this year, a bourbon pull. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

Saturday, August 30, 2025

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: "Q" School Grilling Class - Timmel Pavilion - Pinehurst Arboretum

Pinehurst has played host to many a "Q School" in its day, but none quite like this. From 11:00am-1:00pm, "Q" School Grilling Class at the Pinehurst Arboretum - under covered seating! - will offer ticket holders the opportunity to experience cooking and grilling demonstrations with a range of meats on a variety of grills, led by Christopher Prieto of Prime Barbecue in Knightdale. Sampling will be provided following the class. A cash bar will be available.

- No Children Under 12 Allowed at This Event
Children 12-17 Must be Accompanied by a Responsible Ticketed Adult.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm: "Bourbon and Bites" - North and South Whiskey Bar - The Manor

The Manor's North and South Whiskey Bar will play host to an intimate evening of whiskey and bourbon sampling, expertly paired with small plates from the Pinehurst Resort culinary team. Participants will have the opportunity to sample five varieties of bourbon during the evening event. Participants will also receive a cigar, compliments of Specialty Cigars. 

6:00-8:00pm: Barbecue Reimagined - BHAWK Distillery

Barbecue "Reimagined" is a gourmet tasting event featuring Got To Be NC Award-Winning chefs from across the state who will prepare nontraditional and international barbecue dishes. Guests will be treated to a complimentary tour of B.HAWK Distillery. 

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational

Early Entry: 11:00am
General Admission: Noon
Event Ends: 4:00pm

The premier event for the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival will feature seven of North Carolina's finest barbecue Pitmasters, who will craft select barbecue samples.Each ticket includes one sample and side from each Pitmaster, as well as the opportunity to enjoy Craft Beer, sauce and rub vendors from across the state, Got To Be NC Vendors, and entertainment. 

Date:
August 29 - 31, 2025

Location:
Various Venues in Pinehurst, NC

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