Soon, the streets of DC will be filled once again with the smell of smoking meat as the Giant BBQ Battle returns for its 33rd year of juicy goodness. As the name suggests, it features plenty of BBQ pitmasters engaging in fierce competition to prove their delicious dominance. But the large festival, occupying multiple blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue, can be hard for families to navigate. Washington Parent has assembled this article as your guide of things to do, remember, experience and – most importantly – eat if you and your family come to the biggest cookout the district has to offer.
Where, When and How to Get There
This year’s BBQ Battle will be hosted on Saturday, June 21st and Sunday, June 22nd. It opens at 11 a.m. both days, closing at 9 p.m. on the first day and 7 p.m. the second, meaning whether you stop by for lunch or dinner, you’ll be well fed. Tickets are required to enter the festival, and can be purchased here, either for one or both days.
The BBQ Battle was once, like so many DC traditions, hosted by RFK Stadium, but has since moved to right outside the Capitol, taking over Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues from 3rd to 7th Streets. The best way by far to get there is Metro, with the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station on the Green and Yellow Lines being the closest, and Judiciary Square Station on the Red Line being another option, which will only add a few extra blocks’ walk.
If you prefer to bike in, the BBQ Battle also provides a free bike valet service all weekend long for visitors and guests.
Activities and Entertainment
Though the main draw is, of course, the barbecue, there is more than just meat to enjoy. Though many of the specifics, especially for performances, are yet to be finalized, here’s what we know so far.
- Washington’s Sports Teams Will be Putting on Shows: Members of hockey’s Capitals, soccer’s D.C. United and basketball’s Wizards, Mystics and Go-Go will be represented and provide entertainment to visitors.
- Four Stages, Four Options: The performance stages will each have unique options, most starting at noon and stretching into the evening. There will be a stage dedicated to music, one hosting a dance party, one for cooking demonstrations and one grilling stage that presumably will be where some, if not all, of the battles are held, though the details on that stage have not been publicized yet.
- BMX and Skateboarding: Many children may enjoy eating BBQ but not have much interest in how it’s made. Those children likely will enjoy the stunts and tricks of the BMX bike and skateboard performers that will pump up the energy of the event to the next level.
- Arts and Crafts: There will be artistic activities for families and children to engage in, most of which haven’t been announced yet, but one that has been revealed is very eye-catching: making a custom bobblehead.
The Meat of the Matter
But of course, everything is just a side dish compared to the entree that is the titular
barbecue. While the competition dishes can only be served to the judges for health code and permit reasons, the chefs and the organizations/restaurants they work with will be selling barbecue throughout both days, as well as giving away literal metric tons of samples to festival visitors. Though the best way to determine what you’ll like is by trying the samples on offer, if you want a way to narrow down your choices before then, you could try eating from some of the following DMV- area barbecue joints that will be vending at the battle.
- Bayside Bull is an Anne Arundel restaurant that offers rotating seasonal menus for various occasions throughout the year.
- Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a DC staple since the 1950s, with a specialty given away by the name.
- DCity Smokehouse has two locations, both in the district, and considers barbecue to be a lifestyle it lives and breathes.
- Dyvine BBQ in Motion from Dumfries, Va. is headed up by Chef Derrick Wood, who’ll be bringing his signature barbecue fusion cuisine to the event.
- Smokecraft Modern Barbeque is an Arlington smokehouse that is bringing its competition team, which has finished in the top 8 of the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, to the BBQ Battle this year.
- The Tender Rib is a barbecue food truck that often travels to cater for different events, but can be found in Fort Washington, Md. most Fridays and Saturdays.
So whether you’re going to have a feast, hear some live music, watch the competition or just take in the smells – the Giant BBQ Battle will be waiting for you. Just remember to bring some sunscreen, a water bottle and most importantly an empty stomach.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
Liam McCrickard holds a B.A. in creative and professional writing from Goucher College. He is former assistant editor at Washington Parent. He works as a freelance designer, writer and editor of tabletop role-playing games.
