Davidson Local's 2023 Guide to The Lexington Barbecue Festival

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The Lexington Barbecue Festival stirs up an aroma of excitement in Uptown Lexington as the entire city welcomes citizens and visitors from all across the world.

Proudly recognized as one of the top food festivals in the United States, the Lexington Barbecue Festival embarks upon its thirty-ninth year with anticipation and enthusiasm.

The World's Best Que:

Lexington style barbecue is definitely the star of the show when it comes to food at the Lexington Barbecue Festival. Look for official booths where you can purchase and experience the legendary taste of a Lexington sandwich sold by Lexington barbecue restaurants. Barbecue begins being served at 10 a.m. and of course sells out by 1 p.m. Additionally, there is a tasty array of festival food to satisfy all palates.

Admission: 

Admission to the festival is always free, as it is held on several blocks in Uptown Lexington with most events and vendors concentrated on the stretch of Main St. 

It is important to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Also, be prepared to be in a large moving crowd. 

The walking pace is casual and relaxed. The natural flow of the crowd allows you to go at your own pace, which is ideal because there is a lot to see. Accessible parking and restrooms are available at the lot located on State St between 2nd and 3rd streets for festival attendees with handicapped parking permits or who require accommodation. There will be numerous accessible restrooms throughout the route and transportation accommodations at both shuttle locations.

Vendors: 

You will be delighted to find vendors who sell everything from arts and crafts to clothing, beverages, honey, sweets and unique gift ideas. The stores in Uptown Lexington will be open and most welcoming to shoppers. Come prepared to take home something special from a local shop.

Most vendors accept electronic payments but it is always advisable to have cash on hand; numerous ATMs and banks are located within walking distance of Main St. 

Safety: 

Several city departments play key roles in creating a safe festival environment. Expect an inviting police presence at the Lexington Barbecue Festival with the Lexington Police Department taking lead and being aided by other area law enforcement agencies. The Lexington Police Department is located at 106 N Main St. Festival attendees are asked to aid in keeping the space safe by reporting any suspicious activities or crimes immediately by calling 911 or by informing a uniformed police officer or related authority. First responders and emergency medical services will be available for aid and assistance.

Parking: 

There is plenty of parking in Uptown Lexington with many parking areas being staffed by local groups. Most lots charge to park but this provides an added layer of security for vehicles. Parking on odd side streets and other areas not designated for parking is not advised because towing will be enforced.

Additional parking is provided for free with a shuttle service from Walmart located at 160 Lowes Blvd as well as at Childress Vineyards, 1000 Childress Vineyards Rd.

Trains: 

All aboard! Amtrak once again makes several stops at the Lexington Depot. Want to ride the train from surrounding areas? Book your train ride by calling Amtrak at 1-800-USA RAIL or go to its website www.ncbytrain.org (note that the station code for the stop is LEX).

Schedule: 

Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. and the party officially ends at 6 p.m. so there is plenty of time to enjoy all that the festival has to offer. The day is filled with an ongoing schedule of activities and concerts spread throughout several stages to discover new and longtime Barbecue Festival favorites. 

Here’s an opportunity to plan your schedule for the day.

STAGE LOCATIONS

Grandstand - at the Square on East Center Street *Chair friendly

Stage 3 - 300 N Main St (at Sam's Car Wash) *Chair friendly

Pop-up Stage - E 2nd St

City Stage - E 1st Ave

Kids’ Stage - 310 S Main St (on lawn of First United Methodist Church)

Amphitheater Stage - E 3rd Ave *Chair friendly

Enjoy the beautiful weather and all that the festival has to offer!

{For further information go to www.thebarbecuefestival.com]

[Map & Logo Courtesy of The Lexington Barbecue Festival]