In addition, more than 40 amateur teams will compete in the MD State BBQ Bash Tailgate Challenge to see who has the best ribs and chicken while competing for cash, prizes, and bragging rights. For more than 10 years, the MD State BBQ Bash has grown to be one of the largest, most fun, and most anticipated events of the year in Downtown Bel Air. Great food, great music, great people, the Maryland State Barbecue Championship, and the MD State BBQ Bash Tailgate Challenge have combined to create a tradition that we hope you will want to be a part of this year and in the years ahead.
Click the map below for a printable PDF!
The MD State BBQ Bash is being brought to you by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Main Street Maryland organization dedicated to creating a vibrant business community and visitor friendly destination in Downtown Bel Air, MD. This event is the largest fundraising effort for the Bel Air Downtown Alliance and 100% of the proceeds benefits the mission and is reinvested locally.
Music Line Up
The MD State BBQ Bash partners with WXCY Radio to deliver an incredible music experience at the Bash.
2023 Music Schedule TBA!
Seating
Looking for a place to sit back, relax, and enjoy your fresh BBQ? Here is a list on seating options for the event!
- High Top Tables along Thomas St. and in the Crafter’s Area in Event Central
- Picnic Tables in the Courthouse Patio, Park Area, and behind Vagabond Sandwich Co.
- Saturday Only: BYOS! Come with a picnic blanket and camp chairs to sit in the grassy areas along Eastern Alley and Churchville Rd.!
Parking
Plenty of parking is available throughout Downtown Bel Air. All parking is free in Downtown Bel Air on weekends and after 5 p.m. weekdays, including the Bel Air Parking Garage (located at 6 S. Hickory Ave).
Handicapped Parking for the Event
Handicapped parking lots can be found close to the event in the parking lot on W. Pennsylvania Ave. (between S. Bond and S. Hayes Streets) as well as the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot located at 38 S. Bond St. Handicapped parking is strictly enforced, and all violators will be towed.
Shuttle Bus Parking
Two shuttle buses service the MD State BBQ Bash; parking for this service can be found at Bel Air Elementary School (30 E. Lee St.) and Bel Air Middle School (99 Idlewild St.). The shuttle buses run Friday and Saturday of the event as follows:
- Friday, 10/13 from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 10/14 from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
*Please note that parking will not be guaranteed at Bel Air Elementary School until after 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 13.*
Frequently Asked Questions
Please scroll up to the blue Resources section to navigate to the correct application!
The MD State BBQ Bash partners with WXCY Radio to deliver an incredible music experience at the Bash.
Admission into the MD State BBQ Bash is free. For their safety, no pets/dogs allowed.
Plenty of parking is available throughout Downtown Bel Air. All parking is free in Downtown Bel Air on weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays.
No weapons of any kind will be permitted in the event. Security will provide screening upon entry.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Bel Air is the preferred hotel of the Maryland State BBQ Bash. Homewood Suites is located at 4170 Philadelphia Road Bel Air, MD 21015. Convenient to I-95, there are over a dozen hotels in Edgewood (21014) and Aberdeen (21001) Maryland.
