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NEWBERRY – The steady rhythm of blues music, the glow of smokers and the unmistakable aroma of slow-cooked barbecue will take over downtown Newberry on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, when the Newberry Main Street Blues & BBQ Festival returns for a full day of food, music and friendly competition.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., North and South Seaboard Drive — also known as Larry Keene Drive — will be transformed into a lively festival corridor just off Newberry Road (State Road 26). Pitmasters, music lovers, classic car enthusiasts and families are expected to fill the streets for one of the city’s most anticipated annual events.

The centerpiece of the festival is a barbecue competition that brings together both backyard cooks and seasoned professionals. Organized as a non-sanctioned contest, the cookoff features two divisions — Backyard (amateur) and Commercial (professional) — with teams competing in four traditional barbecue categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef brisket.

Judging unfolds throughout the day, beginning with chicken at 11 a.m., followed by ribs at noon, pork at 1 p.m. and brisket at 2 p.m. By late afternoon, anticipation will build as teams and spectators gather at the Main Stage for the awards ceremony, scheduled from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Top teams in each category and division will take home cash, prizes and trophies, along with overall grand prizes in both divisions.

Competition rules emphasize old-school barbecue techniques, with teams cooking exclusively over wood, charcoal or wood pellets. All meats must be USDA inspected before cooking, and strict food safety and sanitation standards will be enforced throughout the event. Teams will work from designated 20-by-20-foot cook sites, turning downtown streets into a patchwork of canopies, smokers and grills.

Beyond the barbecue pits, the festival offers plenty to explore. A popular car show will once again line the streets, with on-site registration available the day of the event. Roughly 100 vehicles participated last year, and prizes will be awarded.

Festivalgoers can also browse a variety of craft and merchandise vendors, selected to complement the barbecue and car show atmosphere. While vendor space is limited, organizers encouraged offerings that match the event’s food-and-fun focus.

With live blues, competitive barbecue, polished chrome and the buzz of downtown energy, the Newberry Main Street Blues & BBQ Festival promises a full-sensory celebration that has become a winter tradition in the community.

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