45th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse draws teams, crowns winners in Kinston
BBQ Fest on the Neuse, 2026. Photos: Danny Perez/Neuse News
The 45th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse returned to downtown Kinston with competition, crowds and a full slate of cook teams competing in the Hog Happenin’ cook-off.
The long-running festival featured professional and backyard divisions, with teams judged on product quality as well as specialty categories.
BBQ Fest on the Neuse, 2026. Photos: Danny Perez/Neuse News
In the professional division, Wicked Pig, led by Billy John Narron, took first place in product quality and earned the $500 top prize. The team, sponsored by Pittman Agner, also won the Sauce Boss category, adding another $300 award.
Mr. Curly’s Que Crew, led by Andy Harrison, placed second in product quality, followed by Grilling Palms, led by David Hoffman, in third. Show Time’s Legit BBQ, led by Dana Peterson, finished fourth.
Additional professional honors included the Natural Source award, which went to Boo’s BBQ, led by Randall White and sponsored by Mackey Family Transport.
In the backyard division, Johnny Mac Wells Smokehouse, led by Nathan Cornish, claimed first place and a $300 prize. In-laws and Outlaws, led by Brett McHenry, placed second, while Pork Stars, led by Susan Harper, finished third.
The Hog Happenin’ cook-off remains a centerpiece of BBQ Fest on the Neuse, bringing together seasoned pitmasters and local competitors while highlighting the region’s barbecue tradition. The event continues to draw visitors and participants from across the state, reinforcing Kinston’s reputation as a destination for eastern North Carolina barbecue.
| Division | Award | Prize | Cook team | Cook | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional | 1st place product quality | $500 | Wicked Pig | Billy John Narron | Pittman Agner |
| Professional | 2nd place product quality | $300 | Mr. Curly’s Que Crew | Andy Harrison | State Farm, Judy Jones, Will Hardy and Keith Thompson |
| Professional | 3rd place product quality | $200 | Grilling Palms | David Hoffman | Smithfield Foods |
| Professional | 4th place product quality | $100 | Show Time’s Legit BBQ | Dana Peterson | KC Crop Insurance |
| Professional | Sauce Boss | $300 | Wicked Pig | Billy John Narron | Pittman Agner |
| Professional | Natural Source | $300 | Boo’s BBQ | Randall White | Mackey Family Transport |
| Backyard | 1st place product quality | $300 | Johnny Mac Wells Smokehouse | Nathan Cornish | Town Insurance, Scott Crocker |
| Backyard | 2nd place product quality | $200 | In-laws and Outlaws | Brett McHenry | Marsha House & Company / Gammon Communities |
| Backyard | 3rd place product quality | $100 | Pork Stars | Susan Harper | Sonya Davis |
