Smokin' Hot
Venice’s Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash Returns
Great food and music at the Venice Airport Festival grounds April 20 and 21.
Image: Shutterstock
The ninth annual Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash takes over the Venice Airport Festival Grounds on April 20 and 21. A benefit for the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, the festival draws some 20,000 ‘cue and music lovers from all over the region.
On Friday, starting at 5 p.m., you can chat up the contestants—top BBQ teams from across the country who are competing for a $20,000 purse—and enjoy a fish fry dinner and the music of homegrown Swinging Bridge Bluegrass Band.
Saturday is the really big day, with tasting and judging in the BBQ and chili cookoffs; a cornhole tournament; kids’ park with games, rides, face-painting and more; an exhibition of classic and vintage cars and community safety exhibitions.
Saturday also features some nationally known bluegrass performers, including Russell Moore, five-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year award. After individual performances, the bands will take the stage to jam together, ending with a gospel grand finale.
Music—and tasting—begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. For a schedule of events and musical performances as
Top barbecue teams from across the country will compete for $20,000 in prizes.
Image: Courtesy Photo
well as parking tips, go to suncoastbbqbash.com.
