Proceeds from the annual event benefit The Sonder Project

30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, will take place on Friday, November 8 on the North Lawn at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin®, benefiting The Sonder Project.

The community is invited from 5-8 p.m. to sample unlimited barbecue, sponsored by Barker Williams and Shoreline Title, from various regional and local restaurants, each competing for the title of “Best BBQ”. Restaurants and pitmasters confirmed to compete include 3 Sons BBQ, Back Beach Barbecue, Cinders and Salt, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Evie Mae’s Barbecue, Harry T’s, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Marrow Private Chefs, Moe’s BBQ, The Perfect Pig, The Salty Butcher, Sons of Amvets Post 29, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KU’s BarbeKU, Vin’tij Food and Wine, and Watersound Beach Club. Attendees will choose the first, second, and third place winners while a panel of guest judges will sample each dish and award the overall “Judge’s Choice” winner.

After entering through the Carrot Top Designs Welcome Lounge, guests will have full access to unlimited samples of barbecue as well as complimentary beer from Grayton Beer Company, wine, and water courtesy of Grand Boulevard Arts and Entertainment. Throughout the evening, attendees will enjoy live music by River Dan outfitted with limited complimentary seating provided by Jake’s Beach Service, along with a commemorative photo booth, sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners, and a silent auction featuring a variety of items including vacation stays, gift cards, gift baskets, jewelry, and much more.

Originally established in 2016, the 30A BBQ Festival was introduced as the kick-off event to the 30A Half Marathon & 5K Weekend, another local fundraising event led by The Sonder Project. In 2023, the 30A BBQ Festival was revitalized as a stand-alone, Fall staple event that can be enjoyed by the entire community for years to come.

“The Sonder Project was established in 2015 right here in the 30A area, and this event is our annual opportunity to celebrate with this community that has been so consequential in helping us to empower and change the lives of over 80,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Chad Zibelman, CEO of The Sonder Project. “We expect this year to be the biggest and most memorable BBQ Fest yet and we hope you will join us!”

General admission tickets are on sale now for $55. VIP tickets are also on sale for $125 and include all the same benefits as general admission plus access to an exclusive VIP area, sponsored by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, that includes complimentary dessert by Kilwins Sandestin courtesy of Sojo, an exclusive VIP photo booth sponsored by United Community Bank, and a full bar with cocktails provided by 30A Distilling, Birdie’s Cocktails, Campesino Rum, Distillery 98, and Wonderbird Spirits along with wine from Thompson 31Fifty. Both general admission and VIP tickets can be purchased online at https://thesonderproject.org/BBQFEST. For guests traveling from out of town, there will be special room rates available by the festival’s official lodging sponsors, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection. Visit http://www.Sandestin.com/2510X8 or call 1-800-320-8115 to reserve a room at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort or visit https://bit.ly/30ABBQxHotelEffie to book a room at Hotel Effie. Additional lodging is also available through our presenting sponsor, 360 Blue, at 360blue.com.

Proceeds from the annual event will benefit The Sonder Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to improve lives in Africa. Founded in 2015, The Sonder Project’s mission is to empower impoverished communities through high-impact, sustainable development by providing access to clean water, education, and sustainable agriculture.

30A BBQ Festival would like to thank the additional businesses and individuals sponsoring this year’s event, including 30A, Beard Equipment, Bracken Law, David Scott Buick GMC, Emerald Coast Magazine, EZ-PZ Recycling, Grand Boulevard, Heritage 850 Plumbing and Gas, Panache Tent and Event, Royal Destinations, VIP 30A Magazine, and Visit South Walton.

30A BBQ Festival Returns to Grand Boulevard on November 8, 2024