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Tuesday, September 22, 2026

WhistleStop BBQ Festival will Return to Huntsville Oct. 16-17, 2026

Photo by Iulia Buta

When and Where

The WhistleStop BBQ Festival is rolling back into Huntsville, Alabama, on Oct. 16-17 for another weekend of smoke, sauce and sound. The annual BBQ festival takes over the festival lot on the southeast side of the MidCity District along Old Monrovia Road. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.

Music Lineup

Live music runs all weekend. Friday night brings Travis Bowlin (5:30-6:30 p.m.), Milltowne (7-8:30 p.m.) and the Brooklines at 9 p.m. Saturday's stage opens with the Grasstronauts at 11:30 a.m., followed by Josh Allison at 1 p.m., Lana White & the Heights at 2:30 p.m. and a closing set from Buck'd Up at 4:30 p.m.

Food, Vendors and Activities

More than just a food festival, WhistleStop hosts an amateur barbecue contest sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. More than 40 teams from across the Southeast will compete for a $2,000 grand champion prize in ribs, chicken and dessert categories, plus People’s Choice competitions for festival-goers to pick their favorites.

Tickets

Weekend passes are $20 per person and single-day passes are $10 when purchased in advance; prices go up at the gate, so buy early. Children 12 and under get in free. Find advance tickets and more information at midcitydistrict.com/whistlestopfestival.

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