The 33rd Annual Giant BBQ Battle: The Ultimate Summer Kickoff Festival!

The 33rd Annual Giant BBQ Battle: The Ultimate Summer Kickoff Festival!

  • America's Food & Music Festival

Featuring mouthwatering competitions, Free food tastings, cooking demos, live music, wine tastings, craft beers, and activities for all age

By 32nd Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

Date and time

June 21 · 11am - June 22 · 7pm EDT

Location

555 Pennsylvania Ave NW

555 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20001

Performers

Headliners

  • The Chuck Brown Band
  • Junkyard Band
  • EU (Experience Unlimited)

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

☀️ Summer Starts Here – The Most Epic BBQ, Music & Dance Party in America!


Brace yourself for the biggest, boldest, most immersive BBQ festival yet! This isn’t just any food fest—it’s a full-blown summer party with over 100+ free food samples, high-energy entertainment, legendary BBQ competitions, and non-stop music & dance zones spanning Pennsylvania Avenue, America’s Main Street.


🔥 NEW THIS YEAR! 🔥

🌴 Giant Corks to Caps 21+ Oasis – A true oasis for those 21 and over with sampling and drinks for sale from Paradise Cove, Corona Beach, and the Mom Water She Shed.

💃 Monster Energy Dance Zone – A high-energy party with DJs, live beats, and interactive dance-offs.

🎸 Pepsi Art to Go-Go Tent – The top Go-Go acts, live art experiences, and special performances.

🥩 BIGGEST BBQ COMPETITIONS YET – More pitmasters, $50,000+ in prizes, and the fiercest showdown in BBQ history!


🔥 Food Lovers, Rejoice – The Best Eats on Pennsylvania Ave!

The Giant BBQ Battle brings together the best of the best when it comes to mouthwatering eats. Indulge in legendary bites from top vendors, pitmasters, and food brands serving up iconic flavors and innovative creations.


🎤 Music, Dance & Entertainment – Nonstop Action on Four Stages!

🎶 Monster Energy Stage – A high-energy dance experience with electrifying beats and surprise performances!

🎶 Pepsi Lays Art to Go Go Stage - Experience the sounds of DC in the Heart of DC from all time legends and the new generation.

🎶 Pepsi Summer Stage - Not only will it host THE Nathan's Hot Dog Qualifier, you'll see top bands across a range of style


🔥 Can’t-Miss Events & Competitions!

🏆 BBQ Masters Battle for $50,000+ in Prizes! – Witness the ultimate pitmaster showdown!

🌭 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest – Think you can beat the pros?

👨‍🍳 Giant Fresh Ideas Cooking Stage – Live demos from top chefs & culinary legends!

🎨 Live Art & Dance Battles – The hottest interactive performances all weekend long!


🎟️ TICKETS SELLING FAST – Don’t Miss The Party of the Summer!


📅 June 21-22, 2025

📍 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC


Frequently asked questions

What day is the ticket for?

Your ticket is good one day, either Saturday June 21 or Sunday June 22, 2025.

What are the event hours?

Saturday June 21, 2025 - 11am to 9pm Sunday June 22, 2025 - 11 am to 7pm

Can I bring my pet?

Although we love pets, due to the crowds and hot asphalt surface, pets are not permitted on the event site. Service Animals are always welcomed with proper documentation!

Can I bring my Bike?

This year we are promoting Bike to the Battle by offering free Bike Valet Parking. See event site map for Bike parking location.

Will beverages be available for sale?

Yes, Microbrews, Wine, Prepared Cocktails, assorted nonalcoholic beverages, Sodas, Lemonade and Water will all be available for sale.

Can I bring a lawn chair, cooler, bottles?

This year we will have extra seating near our stages and dining areas. We do not allow chairs, coolers or glass bottles on the event site to ensure compliance with DC health and safety code. You may however bring water in plastic bottles into the event site for personal use.

What samples are free?

Literally, (metric) tons of free food and beverage samples will be given away free of charge. All sampling is while supplies last. There will be numerous sampling tents throughout the event site providing BBQ & Grilled Food samples along with all your favorite salty snacks, deserts, drinks & more.

Can I try the competition BBQ?

Some of the best BBQ restaurants in the country will be selling at the event, including some who are also competing! While BBQ Teams will be cooking for certified judges throughout the weekend DC Health Code doesn't permit them to sell or sample to attendees.

What's the best way to get there?

We recommend taking Metro to get to the event. Closest stations are Smithsonian or Archives. You can also Bike to the Battle, with free valet bike parking. If driving use 555 Pennsylvania Ave, NW as a navigational destination. Visit BBQDC.com for a list of parking garages near the event.

Can I volunteer, sponsor or get involved in other ways as an event participant?

We'd love to have you involved! Please go to our site (bbqdc.com) and click the "get involved' form.

How do I enter the contest?

You can visit www.bbqdc.com for detailed information to download a contest application.

Are there things for kids to do at the event?

Yes! This is a family friendly event, kids 12 & under are free! Kids will enjoy sports activities from the Washington Capitals, Mystics, Wizards, DC United and others. There will be exciting BMX stunt bike & skateboarding shows, free food, candy & ice cream samples, fun arts activities & more!

How can I get more information?

Visit www.BBQDC.com or email us at info@BBQDC.com

Are tickets refundable?

All ticket sales are final, and the event is held rain or shine. You can use your ticket either day of the event weekend or gift it to a friend.

Tags

Organized by

32nd Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

Let the Games Begin!!!

Be entertained and amazed by everything BBQ, music and fun this June 22nd and 23rd at the 32nd Annual Giant Barbecue Battle in downtown DC. The 2024 Giant BBQ Battle will be pulling out all the stops to mark three decades of bringing together the best BBQ from around the country, celebrity and competitive pitmasters, chefs and cookbook authors, tempting microbrews and vintage wines, plentiful free food samples, and great music, entertainment and fun for all on Pennsylvania Ave.

Whether your pleasure is smokey ribs, juicy brisket, BBQ chicken, succulent pulled pork or plant-based BBQ, you’ll find all your favorites at the Giant BBQ Battle. The competition will be fierce as teams face off in their quest for big cash prizes and bragging rights in the heart of the Nation’s Capital. This year’s BBQ Battle is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet so stay tuned and visit bbqdc.com for updates on all the fun to come. We look forward to seeing you at the BBQ!

$20 – $60