Washington, D.C. (March 31,2017) – When the scent of blooming cherry blossoms fades into the hickory sweet aroma of mouth-watering BBQ, it’s time for the area’s tastiest summer celebration, the 25th Anniversary of the Giant National Capital BARBECUE BATTLE®. On June 24th and 25th, Historic Pennsylvania Avenue will once again transform into a festival of amazing sights, sounds, and aromas. Prepare your palates for one of the country’s largest food festivals. The Giant National Capital BARBECUE BATTLE® features a mouth-watering feast of free food samples, top food vendors from across the country, cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs and cookbook authors, and high-stakes BBQ competitions throughout the weekend.
At the event, visitors can dig into flavorful plates of beef brisket, chicken, pork and lamb prepared by some of the best BBQ restaurants from across the country. Guests will be offered plentiful free food samples throughout the event site. Everything from mini BBQ sandwiches, to all kinds of grilled foods and summertime favorite sides and treats will be available in the Taste of Giant Sampling Pavilion, along with great regional fare sampled in the Giant Local Flavors Tent.
The Giant BARBECUE BATTLE® is one of the largest and most unique food and music festivals in the country, and offering the chance to experience the thrill of competition BBQ at its best. Cooks from across the country compete for cash and prizes and the coveted title of America’s National BBQ Champion. Barbecue legends like Myron Mixon, Tuffy Stone and Moe Cason from TV’s BBQ Pit Masters Show,” compete side by side with top BBQ Chefs and mom-and-pop teams throughout the weekend. Teams cook off in multiple Contests including The National Pork BBQ Championship sponsored by the National Pork Board, Perdue Sizzlin’ Chicken Contest, Smithfield BBQ Rib Championship and America’s Best BBQ Sauce.
In 2017, military chefs from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard will participate in a special Military Chef Cookoff presented by Stratford University to benefit the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Funds from this his year’s event will benefit both the USO and the Capital Area Food Bank. To date, the BBQ Battle has raised over 2 million dollars for these and other worthy District charities.
This year’s Giant BBQ Battle will take place on both Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Ave, NW between 3rd and 7th Streets. The usual street noise will be replaced by the sounds of powerful vocals and soulful melodies with 30 bands performing on 3 stages. To round out the family fun there will be special attractions like the World’s Largest Traveling Grill, Nathan’s Competition Eating contests, Washington’s sports teams and much more. The Giant BBQ Battle has received numerous awards and titles over the years including being named “One of Five Can’t Miss Summer Festivals in the Country” by CNN, a “Top 10 BBQ Event” by the Travel Channel, “One of America’s Best BBQ Competitions” by Saveur Magazine, and “An Event Worth Traveling to” by the American Bus Association.
The 2017 Giant National Capital BARBECUE BATTLE® is heating up to be the biggest & best yet, so block off the weekend of June 24th and 25th and prepare the whole family for DC’s Favorite Festival of feasting & fun!
For more information, photos, and event details, visit www.BBQinDC.com, or contact Melanie Hosch, BBQ Battle Media Relations by email at [email protected] or 202-488-6990. Stay informed of the latest BBQ Event updates by following the BBQ Battle on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @bbqindc.