Your Insider Guide To Holy Smokes Barbecue Festival

Updated for 2025!

Are you a fan of authentic Southern barbecue looking for a festival experience in a picturesque, historic city? Then look no further than Holy Smokes, a Lowcountry Barbecue Festival in Charleston, S.C.!

Since 2020, this annual festival has brought together top pitmasters, incredible Southern food, and meaningful charitable giving. Each year offers something new, but the spirit remains the same—great flavor for a great cause.

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Fast Facts about Holy Smokes

• Date: Saturday, November 8th, 2025
• Location: Riverfront Park, North Charleston, S.C.
• Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
• Tickets: $95 for General Admission, $250 for VIP Buy tickets online!
• Event Website: Holy Smokes BBQ Festival

Event History

Holy Smokes, A Lowcountry Barbecue Festival, was founded by a small group of passionate barbecue lovers, including my lifelong friend and brilliant business developer, John Davis, to celebrate delicious food and support worthy causes.

For years, Holy Smokes has proudly supported Hogs for the Cause, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families dealing with pediatric brain cancer, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, which provides housing and support for families with children in the hospital.

Over the years, the festival has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it a fun event that gives back in a meaningful way.

The Weekend Plan

Every year, the Holy Smokes festival seems to get bigger and better! Expect some of the country’s top pitmasters to fire up their smokers, stir their sauces, and serve signature dishes.

Talented Chefs and Pit Masters

From Charleston’s own James Beard Award-winning chef, Rodney Scott, to Leslie Roark Scott from Ubon’s BBQ of Yazoo in Yazoo City, MS, you’ll get to taste regional and national barbecue styles, savory sauces, melt-in-your-mouth side dishes, and much more.

Fun Fact: The day after Holy Smokes 2022, while waiting in the Charleston airport to board a plane to Colombia, I met Leslie Roark Scott from Ubon’s! Leslie recognized my t-shirt from the event, and we exchanged numbers, swapping texts about the fabulous weekend and the time she went up against Bobby Flay on TV!

It was such a thrill to see Leslie again and enjoy her tasty cooking at Holy Smokes 2023. For sure, she’ll bring back the best, along with many other talented chefs and pit masters!

Something for Everyone

For those not keen on the ‘cue, Holy Smokes offers savory seafood, fresh vegetables, small plates, and sweets to keep your taste buds tingling.

The sampling of great tastes and notable live music will encourage you to stick around, enjoy signature cocktails served by friendly bartenders, and release happy sighs beside a scenic view of the expansive Cooper River.

Tickets

Buying tickets for Holy Smokes online is easy on the official website, where you can select from General Admission or VIP passes. All proceeds go to charity, and you’ll love sampling delectable food cooked onsite and lively, made-to-order libations.

All ticket levels offer enjoyment for eventgoers, but VIP is your best choice for a day of unlimited food and drinks.

VIP: Barbecue Bang!

While any ticket to Holy Smokes is a good ticket, VIP offers a lot more barbecue bang for your buck. Rockstar-Status perks include early entry, exclusive dishes from top pitmasters, and complimentary drinks.

Enjoy large tents with comfy patio furniture and plenty of small tables to congregate with friends under if it rains. After walking the grounds of the park, you’ll love the little vignettes set up for chillin’.

Whatever you choose for attending Holy Smokes – general admission or VIP –make sure to buy your tickets early, as the event typically sells out fast.

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What to Expect – from a Holy Smokes Fan

Now that you’ve read some straight facts, here’s the real deal and an honest review of Holy Smokes Lowcountry Barbecue Festival. I’ve had the pleasure of attending Holy Smokes several times, and all I can say is, “Y’all. GO.”

Holy Smokes is some of the most fun I’ve had in the Lowcountry in decades, and I frequently visit Charleston to enjoy the coast, catch up on friendly gossip, and test my knowledge of Southern phrases.

In as few words as possible, Holy Smokes is hands-down brilliant. I swear on a stack of King James Bibles that it ranks among my Top 5 Festivals, and I’ve visited many in my time.

What Makes Holy Smokes So Special

The Vibe

From rubbing elbows with some of the country’s most incredible chefs to listening to live music headed for a major label, the atmosphere buzzes with a great vibe all day. Friends mingle and dance like no one’s looking.

Conversation and laughter ring loud throughout the entire day. Hugs are abundant and hearts are wide open, welcoming good food and great company, all for charity.

The Merch

From t-shirts, baseball caps, and hoodies to engraved tumblers, stickers, towels, and scarves, it’s hard to resist taking home some Holy Smokes merchandise. When you go, shop early for swag, as they often sell out of their most popular items.

No one cares if you wear your new Holy Smokes T-shirt over your cute blouse like I did! Just roll with it.

The Vendors

Shout out to the people who make this possible, especially the vendors! Past names have included Duke’s Mayonaise – a beloved brand in the Deep South – plus newer marks like Post Meridiem Spirits, serving up chilled cocktails in cans, and crafted items like the two-in-one “Brew Shucker” oyster knife from Middleton Knives.

The Villages

Finally, there are gated “villages” with large, round tables set up for friends to come by, eat, sit a spell, nosh well, and mingle among the ecstatic crowd.

Depending on the ticket level you purchase, you can do as I do and invite yourself to almost anyone’s party in their village. Almost.

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Don’t just read about it, check it out for yourself; you’ll love Holy Smokes! Book your flight, arrive in Charleston, and live the experience of this amazing, annual Lowcountry barbecue.

About Charleston, S.C.

Charleston, one of the most charming cities in the South, has evolved dramatically over the past 50 years. Growing up as a GRITS, I’ve seen Charleston transform from a quiet, historic city to a vibrant destination filled with culture, fine dining, and stunning views.

Fondly referred to as the Holy City, Charleston’s historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and fresh seafood are just a few reasons why this picturesque, Southern municipality continually ranks as one of the top U.S. travel destinations.

How to Get There

Driving to Charleston

From the north, take I-95 and I-26 East into Charleston: a straightforward drive on major highways with quaint small towns along the way.

From the south, take I-95 North, then I-526 to get into Charleston: busy roads with beautiful views of coastal marshlands and rivers.

Driver’s note: Many roads in and around the Carolinas are often under construction or repair. Always check your GPS before departing!

Flying into Charleston Airport

Charleston International Airport (CHS), 5500 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418, is your go-to spot if flying in for the festival.

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For years, the airport was a tiny hub with few terminals and minimal daily flights. Today, CHS, which is sometimes undergoing improvements, is a chic airport that’s easy to navigate: a frequent traveler’s delight.

Featuring services from major airlines such as Delta, American, and Southwest, Charleston International Airport has direct flights daily.

A pleasant place to arrive at and depart from, the airport also boasts original, Charleston-themed artwork, cozy seating areas, and local dining options.

Where to Stay

The Dewberry Charleston

• Address: 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
• Reservations: The Dewberry Charleston
• Features: Mid-century luxury with an impressive rooftop bar boasting panoramic city views.

Hotel Bennett Charleston

• Address: 404 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
• Reservations: Hotel Bennett
• Features: 5-star hotel featuring city views and luxury linens, within walking distance to downtown.

North Charleston Marriott

• Address: 4770 Goer Dr, North Charleston, SC 29406
• Reservations: North Charleston Marriott
• Features: A trusted name in hotels, convenient to Riverfront Park with modern amenities and an outdoor pool.

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What to Pack

November in Charleston is mild, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to high-70s. Fall weather in the South can be unpredictable, so pack layers.

Visitors’ note: Charleston is a refined city with a unique style, so consider neat, casual attire for this outdoor festival. Think cuffed shorts with a belt versus cut-off sweatpants; not quite highfalutin but not sloppy, either.

At any outdoor event, comfortable, weather-worthy shoes are a must. In case of rain, consider bringing a light rain jacket or poncho. For festival-goers attending Holy Smokes in 2023 during a heavy drizzle, the weather didn’t dampen the fun, but staying dry helped. Rain or shine, you’ll still have a blast.

Wrap Up

So, now you know all about Holy Smokes, A Lowcountry Barbecue Festival in Charleston, S.C., including where to stay and how to get there! Rain or shine, savory, authentic Southern barbecue, and support for worthy causes are just ahead.

Are you ready to experience the perfect blend of food, music, and community spirit? Grab your tickets, plan your stay, and prepare for an unforgettable weekend in the Lowcountry!