The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Monday formally recognized the BBQ Fest on the Neuse for its cultural significance, community contributions, and recent Guinness World Record achievement.
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Kristy Kelly: A journey through the crowd
Depending on how one quantifies success, the BBQ Fest on the Neuse was either a resounding triumph or a disappointing flop. From the viewpoint of an author hoping to sell books, it may have felt like a failure. But as a columnist, the festival renewed my confidence and reminded me why it's important to keep talking about mental health.
Kinston honors four community leaders with keys to the city at BBQ Fest on the Neuse
During the 2025 BBQ Fest on the Neuse, the City of Kinston recognized four community leaders and organizations with the prestigious Mayoral Key to the City, honoring their exceptional service, leadership, and impact on the local and statewide community.
Thousands Flock to Downtown Kinston for 44th Annual Wil King Hog Happenin’ at BBQ Fest on the Neuse
The 44th Annual Wil King Hog Happenin’ at the BBQ Fest on the Neuse brought thousands to downtown Kinston, North Carolina, on May 2–3, 2025, for a celebration of whole hog barbecue, community spirit, and a shared passion for Eastern North Carolina’s culinary heritage.
BBQ Fest on the Neuse returns May 2–3 with music, food, and a world record attempt
With just hours remaining until BBQ Fest on the Neuse lights up downtown Kinston, festival leaders and local law enforcement are encouraging attendees to review a few important safety reminders ahead of the May 2–3 event.
44th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse aims to break Guinness World Record
Kinston’s biggest festival is taking on its biggest challenge yet: setting a Guinness World Record. While Friday, May 2nd’s entertainment is headlined by Nashville recording artist Runaway June, the 44th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse will also attempt to break the world record for the most barbecue sandwiches sold in an eight-hour period on Saturday, May 3rd.
Early buzz for BBQ Fest on the Neuse as registrations sell out fast
With over two months to go until the BBQ Fest on the Neuse, excitement is already at an all-time high. The annual festival, set for May 2-3 in downtown Kinston, has seen record-breaking interest from vendors, cook teams, and sponsors alike.
BBQ Fest on the Neuse recognizes local business owner Stephen Hill
At the 43rd Annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse, amidst the savory aroma of smoked meats and the lively atmosphere of festivities, the BBQ Fest on the Neuse team took a moment to recognize a longstanding supporter and local philanthropist, Stephen Hill.
Winners crowned at 43rd Annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse Whole Hog Cook-Off
The tantalizing aroma of smoked meats filled the air as barbecue enthusiasts and competitors gathered for the 43rd annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse. Amidst the smoke and sizzle, champions emerged from both the backyard and professional divisions, showcasing their culinary prowess in a heated competition.
Mayor Hardy honors community Leaders with Keys to the City at 2024 BBQ Fest
Mayor Dontario Hardy of Kinston bestowed the keys to the city upon several distinguished individuals during the 2024 BBQ Fest on the Neuse in downtown Kinston.
BBQ Fest of the Neuse anticipates record attendance and excitement
With the annual BBQ Fest of the Neuse just around the corner, anticipation and excitement are at an all-time high as organizers prepare for what promises to be the biggest festival yet.
Joe Nichols to Headline BBQ Fest on the Neuse 2024
In an electrifying announcement that has set the stage for an unforgettable musical experience, WRNS and the BBQ Fest on the Neuse have declared that Country Superstar Joe Nichols will be headlining this year's festival, slated for May 3-4, 2024, in downtown Kinston.
Mayor gives out Keys to the City at BBQ Fest on the Neuse
The 42nd annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse took place this weekend with Mayor Dontario Hardy giving out keys to the city. There were four recipients this year, Waylon Adams, Craig Hill, Shannarra Barrow, and Nikisha Williams.
Winners of the 42nd annual Wil King Hog Happenin’ whole hog cooking competition
The annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse announced its barbecue and sauce winners on Saturday. The categories include Sauce Boss, Natural Source, Backyard, and Professional. The winners each won prize money and cutting boards.
Family fun takes center stage at 2023 BBQ Fest on the Neuse with exciting rides and activities for kids
The annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse is returning to Downtown Kinston on May 5-6, 2023, and there's no shortage of fun activities for children to enjoy. With the largest whole hog cook-off in the world, over 150 vendors, and a variety of musical entertainment, this year's festival has something for everyone.
Easton Corbin to light up Herritage St. stage at BBQ Fest on the Neuse
Get ready for the 2023 BBQ Fest on the Neuse, featuring the world's largest whole hog cook-off, carnival rides, and country music superstar Easton Corbin as the headliner. This annual event, held in Downtown Kinston on the first weekend of May, promises to be the ultimate celebration of all things BBQ.
BBQ Fest on the Neuse announces 2022 winners
The 41st annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse announced the 2022 winners of the BBQ Fest on the Neuse / Wil King Hog Happenin’ on a fun filled weekend with thousands walking the streets of downtown Kinston.
Mayor Hardy gives Golden Keys to the City to community leaders
At the annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse, thousands of people strolled the streets of downtown Kinston lined with almost two hundred vendors from all over. After a night storm interrupted the festivities, throngs of people returned for their first taste of the staple eastern North Carolina is known for, BBQ. As is tradition with the BBQ Fest on the Neuse, Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy gave ceremonial keys to the city to worthy recipients on the Herritage Street stage. The recipients were: Robert L. Brown, Jan Parson, Anna Bell Car, and Joe Hargitt.
Largest whole hog cook off in the world brings thousands of people downtown
The largest whole hog cook off in the world will bring thousands of people to downtown Kinston to experience good old-fashioned BBQ. The BBQ Fest on the Neuse will be held this weekend.
BBQ Fest and WRNS announce kick-off concert headliner, Niko Moon
Niko Moon is a country singer signed to Sony Music Nashville/RCA Nashville. Moon’s hits include “Good Time” which has more than 46,000,000 impressions online and all his songs can be heard on WRNS, including “No Sad Songs” and “Paradise to Me”. Moon has also written songs for Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, and Morgan Wallen.