West Palm Beach is “Fired Up” for 11th Annual BBQ, Brews and Blues
Published on August 25, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
Phone: (561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
Email: kjoy@wpb.org
Meredith Westheimer
Moore Agency
Phone: (561) 213-8192
Email: meredithw@themooreagency.com
City of West Palm Beach is “Fired Up” for 11th Annual BBQ, Brews and Blues
Free event returns to Heart & Soul Park in the Historic Northwest on Sept. 5
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (August 25, 2026) — The City of West Palm Beach is turning up the heat to welcome back one of its most anticipated celebrations of food, music, and community in the Historic Northwest: the 11th Annual BBQ, Brews and Blues. With a “Fired Up” theme, organizers are adding even more delicious and fun experiences to the event lineup. The free event returns to Heart & Soul Park (825 N. Rosemary Ave.) on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m. It features live music, family-friendly activities, including a dedicated kids’ zone, and food and drinks for purchase.
“For 10 years, BBQ, Brews and Blues has brought our community together for great food, unforgettable music, and family-friendly memories,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “I am proud to see this beloved tradition return with a little more flavor this year! I invite residents and visitors alike to join us for an evening celebrating the flavors, sounds, spirit, and rich community heritage that make the Historic Northwest so special.”
Event highlights include:
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BBQ Throwdown: BBQ restaurants and food truck vendors from across South Florida compete for $1,500 in prize money — the first-place winner receives $1,000 and the coveted trophy, while the People’s Choice winner earns $500. People’s Choice winner will be announced at 8 p.m.
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Sauce Throwdown: BBQ and sauce vendors can go head-to-head in a separate sauce-only contest for the chance to win $500.
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Ten of South Florida’s finest BBQ food trucks and restaurants, including: GA’s Smokin BBQ, Earl’s Slow And Low BBQ, Simmer Down Bar & Grill, Clark’s BBQ & More, Twisted Smoke BBQ, DA KING OF BBQ, A&A ROADSIDE BBQ & JERK CENTER, Eat Da Bone BBQ, Third’s BBQ, and Foster’s BBQ. Sauce and spice vendors include: CHAKALAKA, Sweet Heat, and Tennessee Bob’s Hot Sauce. Non-BBQ food vendors include: Ana’s Treat, Pizza Mike, Carvel Ice Cream Truck, and Caldonia Kitchen.
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Live Music: Main Stage performances by internationally known blues artist Selwyn Birchwood and hometown favorites The Derek Mack Band (Motown, rock, and pop).
The Front Porch area will be a separate music hot spot, featuring summertime hits by DJ Scoobz and a hand fan craft by local business Rohi’s Readery.
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Limited VIP Experience: A ticketed VIP experience will be available in the Sunset Lounge. Ticket price includes two complimentary drink tickets, a special performance by Miami’s own Kat Riggins, unlimited water and soda, air-conditioned space and restroom access, and entry into a raffle for a chance to meet event headliner Selwyn Birchwood. Tickets are $50 per person, plus taxes and fees. For more info, visit wpb.org/BBQ or here.
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Craft Beer Tasting: Event attendees can sip, compare, and discover new craft beer favorites. The $20 tasting experience includes five craft beer samples and a souvenir tasting cup. Tickets can be purchased on-site or here.
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Brews Station: Craft beers from local South Florida breweries, available for purchase.
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Kids Play Pit: Smokehouse Storybook where kids can dress up BBQ characters, giant bubbles, face painting, inflatable fun, Pin the Tail on the Piggie, a giant, inflatable slide, a “touch-a-truck” experience featuring a West Palm Beach Fire Department firetruck and the West Palm Beach Police Department Party Trailer will be on-site to give out popcorn and ice pops.
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Stories from the Pit: Chalk up your BBQ memories! Share your favorite BBQ experiences on a giant chalkboard.
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Plus contests, prizes, and more!
“BBQ, Brews and Blues is one of our most anticipated events of the year, and it’s a true celebration of the culture and community of the Historic Northwest,” said Angela Poco, Marketing and Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “From the sizzle of the BBQ Throwdown to the soul of live blues, and the laughter of kids enjoying outdoor community fun, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
BBQ, Brews and Blues is produced by the City of West Palm Beach. Event sponsors to date include: X102.3, 97.9 WRMF, WFTL 850, Fox Sports 640, Sunny 107.9, New Country 103.1, WPB Magazine, Cemex, T-Mobile Fiber, and Chick-fil-A West Palm Beach.
Parking is available in the Judicial Center Surface Lot at 505 Banyan Boulevard. Rose’s Trolleys will run shuttles from the surface lot and the neighboring streets.
For more information about BBQ, Brews and Blues, or other City of West Palm Beach Community events, visit www.wpb.org/events, or call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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About the City of West Palm Beach
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn. To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY800 955-8771).