Smokin’ the Sip BBQ Festival Returns to Moss Point
Barbecue lovers, mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the city of Moss Point will come alive with smoke, music, and community spirit as the Smokin’ the Sip BBQ Festival takes over Riverfront Park. Running from 11 AM to 8 PM, this all-day celebration promises great food, family fun, and plenty of Mississippi flavor.
A Festival with Local Roots
Smokin’ the Sip was born from the Moss Point Main Street Association, an organization dedicated to revitalizing downtown and showcasing everything the city has to offer. What began years ago as “Grillin’ in the River City” has now been rebranded and expanded into Mississippi’s premier barbecue festival, thanks to the leadership of Josh Borden and a diverse committee of community members, business owners, and barbecue veterans.
Taste It All: General & VIP Admission
Food is the heart of this event, and attendees won’t be disappointed. With 20–25 competition teams serving up everything from brisket and pulled pork to St. Louis–style ribs and pitmaster’s choice creations, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering samples.
🎟 General Admission Tasting Band ($25): Unlimited samples from every team until you can’t eat another bite.
🥃 VIP Tasting Band ($75): All of the above PLUS access to the VIP tent featuring a private bar, luxury restroom trailer, complimentary cigar, and—best of all—a rotating bourbon tasting every hour. Local and regional distillers will be pouring, ensuring your palate gets just as much love as your plate.
Prizes, Trophies & A Championship Hog
Competitors will battle across five categories—brisket, pulled pork, ribs, Bloody Marys, and pitmaster’s choice—for cash prizes and granite-cut trophies handcrafted by barbecue world champion Marcio of Hog Addiction. First-place winners in each category will take home $500, with payouts extending through third place.
And as a special treat, Marcio himself will be on-site, roasting and serving a whole hog for the public—an experience that blends Mississippi tradition with championship-level barbecue.
Entertainment Lineup & Family Fun
Beyond the smoke, the stage will be filled with Mississippi music:
🎶 Moss Point High School Band kicking things off with the national anthem
🎸 Blues legend Otis Carter and his ensemble
🎧 DJ PJ, official DJ of the Saints & Pelicans
🪕 Titus Gillard Blues Power Band
🎤 Grits & Greens from Hattiesburg
The night will close with a 🎆 fireworks show over the water, capping off a day of food and festivities.
For families, the event is kid-friendly with appearances by local mascots, games, and plenty of space to enjoy the riverfront park.
Why It Matters
Smokin’ the Sip isn’t just about barbecue—it’s about celebrating Mississippi’s culture, music, and hospitality while bringing people together in the heart of Moss Point. From the carefully planned logistics to the handpicked judges representing chefs, community leaders, and influencers, this event is designed to showcase the very best of the Gulf Coast.
Get Your Tickets
Don’t miss out on Mississippi’s fastest-growing barbecue festival. Tickets are available now at mosspointmainstreet.org.
📅 When: Saturday, October 4, 2025
📍 Where: Moss Point Riverfront Park (in front of City Hall)
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 8 PM
Come hungry. Leave full. Celebrate local.
