National BBQ Month isn’t until May, but the Valley gets a jump on things Saturday with a pair of huge BBQ festivals Saturday in Chandler and Scottsdale. Here’s how they compare:
Great American Barbeque & Beer Festival
- Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at A.J. Chandler Park
- Up to 10,000 people expected
- BBQ provided by 20 restaurants and caterers
- More than 100 craft beers available
- 4-band lineup, headlined by Reel Big Fish
- Brat-eating contest, farmers market, kids zone
- $10 admission (kids 12 and under free); additional cost for food and drink
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Scottsdale Waterfront
- Up to 10,000 people expected
- BBQ (limited samples) provided by 40 teams competing for $20,000
- Whiskey Row tent with whiskey, bourbon and single malts
- Cooking demos featuring local chefs and TLC “BBQ Pitmasters†star Harry Soo
- Cigar lounge, mechanical bull, kids zone
- $10 admission (kids under 12 free); additional cost for food and drink
Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival [website]
Arizona Barbecue Festival [website]
