3rd Annual

BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival

Newberry St.

Aiken, SC

Welcome to the 3rd Annual BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival!

The New Southern Staple of Aiken, SC:

BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival

Join Us for a Delightful Day of Food, Fun, and Sweet Tea!

Gather your friends and family and come on down to Aiken’s most anticipated event of the year—the BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival! Celebrate the cherished traditions of the South with succulent barbecue, refreshing sweet tea, and an array of fun activities for all ages. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to indulge in the flavors and fellowship that make Aiken a true southern gem. See you there!

Event Information

Dates and Times:

  • August 30, 2024: 4pm-9pm

  • August 31, 2024: 10am-4pm

BBQ Competition Information.

  • Teams may prepare provided Boston Butts in any style suitable for public serving.

  • Preparation and cooking must occur on-site at Newberry St. Festival Center.

  • Meat pick-up starts at 2:00pm on August 30.

  • Teams must serve their BBQ to the public from 11:00am to 2:00pm on September 7 (May not sell Boston Butt).

  • Antonio Jones will provide necessary containers for public serving.

Entry Fee and Deadline:

  • $225 per team, payable to Antonio Jones.

  • Deadline: August 20, 2024.

Team Information:

  • Limited to the first 25 teams.

  • No more than four persons per team.

Cooking Area and Facilities:

  • Each team will have a 20’x10’ area.

  • No two-story structures allowed.

  • Water and electricity available; for additional needs, contact Antonio or Kristian Jones.

  • Teams may sell food or beverages to the public.

Professional Conduct:

  • Teams must remain professional, respecting other teams' rights and maintaining proper conduct.

Judging and Awards:

  • Blind judging starts at 11:00am on August 31st.

  • Awards: First Place ($1,000 and trophy), Second Place ($750 and trophy), Third Place (trophy), People’s Champ ($225 and trophy).

Clean-Up:

  • Teams must clean their areas before 5:00pm on August 31st.

  • Head Cook is responsible for ensuring the area is returned to pre-competition condition.

Contact Information:

  • Antonio Jones: Cell: 803.508.8285, Email: bbqsweettea@gmail.com

  • Kristian Jones: Cell: 803.442.0555

Mail Entry Forms and Fees to:

  • Antonio Jones, 109 Charleston Row BLVD, Aiken, SC, 29803

  • Checks payable to Antonio Jones.

Waiver of Liability:

  • Contestants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Antonio Jones, City of Aiken, and all associated parties from claims arising from the event.

Vendors Welcomed!

Vendor spaces are available! Each vendor will have a 10x10 space. Must provide your own tent, table, chairs and power.

Vendors will have until August 20th to sign up. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Sponsorship Opportunity

Become a Sponsor of the BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival

Partner with us for the BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival, Aiken’s beloved celebration of Southern cuisine and culture! As a sponsor, you’ll not only enhance this vibrant community event but also connect your brand with thousands of attendees who share a passion for great food and good times. Our festival offers various sponsorship levels, each providing unique opportunities to showcase your products and services while supporting a local tradition.

Sponsorship Benefits Include:

  • Brand Visibility: Your logo and brand message featured on event signage, promotional materials, and digital platforms.

  • Community Engagement: Direct interaction with a diverse and enthusiastic crowd, perfect for promoting new products or services.

  • Exclusive Access: Opportunities for VIP experiences, complimentary tickets, and behind-the-scenes access for your team or clients.

Join us in making the BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival a resounding success! For more details on our sponsorship packages, please contact us at (803) 508-8285 or bbqsweettea@gmail.com. Let’s celebrate the spirit of Aiken together!

Volunteers wanted

Are you looking for volunteer hours? Or just want to be apart of something growing in your community! Come Join the team and help us serve the community!

BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival

Ready. Set. BBQ

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Looking Forward to Seeing You There!

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