This Weekend Get Your BBQ On In Martinez

This weekend, the 6th Annual King of the County BBQ Challenge & Music Festival returns to Waterfront Park, sponsored by the Martinez Chamber of Commerce. This is the city’s biggest event, expected to draw more than 20,000 people over the two days.

What brings them here? In a word, the food. Three major BBQ vendors – Kinder’s, Back 40 and Smokey D’s – will be serving their special brands of ribs, steak and more for the general public. And on both days, there is a BBQ competition for “amateurs,” though the folks who don the apron for this cookout seem anything but neophyte. Due to county regulations, the general public is not permitted to taste the results of the cookoff contest, but a lucky group of judges are. There will be winners both days.

Another draw to this annual event is the music, and this year organizers have put together a lineup of local musicians as well as regional draws. Opening on Saturday at 11am is Alhambra’s own Brave Ulysses. Then it’s Smokin J’s (12-1), Billy Martini (1:25-2:25), Whiskey Dawn (2:50-3:50), with a break for the BBQ Challenge Awards (4-4:30), and Alma Desnuda 4:30-6). On Sunday, it’s ZenKali at 11am, Garageland Rodeo at 12pm, Caroompas Room at 1:40pm, RevTone at 2:40pm, and Big Cat Tolefree at 4:30pm.

There will also be kid’s activities, rides & a petting zoo, as well as over 100 arts & craft vendors, microbreweries & wineries. Parking and admission is free.