More than 20,000 pounds of meat will be smokin’ and 200 kegs of craft beer chillin’ Saturday when the Great American Barbeque & Beer Festival takes place noon to 10 p.m. Saturday in downtown Chandler.
The family-friendly event, which drew a crowd of 12,000 last year, will feature 30 barbecue vendors and 100 exhibitors. Local restaurants taking part will include Joe’s Real BBQ, Honey Bear’s BBQ, Tom’s BBQ, Waldo’s BBQ, Porkopolis, and Chandler BBQ Company.
Downtown’s San Tan Brewing will provide the beers. The fest will be the debut of the brewery’s latest canned seasonal, Mr. Pineapple, a pineapple wheat beer.
A dozen bands will make up the music lineup, anchored by national headliners Hoobastank (6-7:30 p.m.) and Smashmouth (8-10 p.m.). Stages will be set up on both the east and west sides of Arizona Avenue.
Other highlights: eating competitions, mechanical bull riding, water activities, and an expanded Radio Disney kids zone.
General admission is $10, which does not include food or drink. VIP tickets – which include catered food and drink,  private restrooms, and front-row concert seating – are $98 and available only in advance.
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