Your Insider Guide To Holy Smokes Barbecue Festival

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.!

This year’s event, on November 9th, 2024, promises even more fantastic food, award-winning pitmasters, and charitable causes to support than before. As someone who attended in 2022 and 2023, I’m here to say it was an amazing experience. Grab your tickets, pack your bags, and prepare for a mouthwatering Southern experience!

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Fast Facts about Holy Smokes

• Date: November 9th, 2024
• Location: Riverfront Park, North Charleston, S.C.
• Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
• Tickets: $95 for General Admission, $200 for VIP buy tickets
• 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.

Since its inception in 2020, Holy Smokes has proudly supported Hogs for the Cause, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families dealing with pediatric brain cancer, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, providing 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 meaningfully.

The Weekend Plan for 2024

This year’s Holy Smokes festival promises to be 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! She 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’s bringing back the best in 2024, along with many other talented chefs and pit masters!

Something for Everyone

For those few of you not keen on the ‘cue, Holy Smokes offers plenty of seafood, vegetables, savory plates, and sweets to keep your tastebuds tingling.

Plus, the atmosphere will encourage a continual sampling of great tastes amid notable live music, swilling of signature cocktails and beverages served by friendly bartenders, and smoke-scented sighs beside a scenic view of the expansive Cooper River.

Tickets

Buying tickets for Holy Smokes online is super easy. Just head to the official website and select from General Admission or VIP passes. You’ll already feel good buying tickets because the proceeds go to charity, but you’ll love it, even more, knowing you get to sample delectable food cooked onsite and lively, made-to-order libations!

Each level comes with its caliber of enjoyment for eventgoers, but, if you’re going, you may as well go VIP, because, honestly, for this situation, YOLO* and FOMO* are real, y’all. Just sayin’.

*YOLO = You Only Live Once, *FOMO = Fear of Missing Out

VIP: Barbecue Bang!

Not to put the pressure on, because any ticket to Holy Smokes is a good ticket, but VIP offers a lot more barbecue bang for your buck. Rockstar-Status Perks include early entry, exclusive dishes from top pitmasters, and complimentary drinks.

Plus there is a large tent with comfy patio furniture and plenty of small tables to congregate with friends under if it rains! I’m not saying it will or won’t rain, but you’ll still love the little vignettes set up for chillin’.

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

🎟️ ➡ Buy Tickets to Holy Smokes Barbecue Festival in Charleston, S.C.!

What to Expect – from a Holy Smokes Fan

Now that you’ve read some fluff and 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 not once but twice as a VIP guest 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 for Life, and I’ve done a lot of living in my half-century.

“What makes this festival so special?” you ask.

The Vibe

From rubbing elbows with some of the country’s most incredible chefs to listening to live music you know is 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 can be heard 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 – offering full-size samples, 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, In addition to the swell merch and premium, promoted products, there are gated “villages” with large, round tables set up so friends can come by, eat, visit, sit a spell, nosh on amazing food, and mingle among the ecstatic, cue-enthused 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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So, take it from me, a veteran and fan of this fantastic event: you will love Holy Smokes! Book your flight, arrive in Charleston, and live the experience of a Lowcountry barbecue. Just do it!

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

If you drive south from cities like Richmond, VA, or Charlotte, N.C., take I-95 and I-26 East into Charleston. It’s a straightforward drive, and you’ll pass quaint small towns along the way.

Driving to Charleston from the South

From cities like Savannah or Jacksonville, take I-95 North, then I-526 to get into Charleston. The drive offers beautiful views of coastal marshlands and rivers.

Drivers note: many roads in and around the Carolinas were affected by 2024’s devastating Hurricane Helene and may be under construction or repair. Check before departing!

Flying into Charleston Airport

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is your go-to spot if you’re flying in. When I lived here as a kid, the airport was a tiny hub with few terminals and minimal daily flights.

Today, CHS, which seems to be continually undergoing improvements and renovation, is a chic airport that’s easy to navigate and a frequent traveler’s delight.

Located at 5500 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418, Charleston International Airport features services from major airlines such as Delta, American, and Southwest, and searching for direct flights is a simple task.

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.

🌴 Check out these hotels in Charleston. Book Now for the best selection!

What to Pack

November in Charleston is usually mild, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s. As with any destination, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers.

Visitors note: Charleston is a refined city with unique style and class, 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.

Since this is an outdoor event, comfortable, weather-worthy shoes are a must, and, in case of rain, you may want to wear close-toed shoes and bring a light rain jacket or poncho. From personal experience, attending Holy Smokes in 2023 during a heavy drizzle didn’t dampen the fun, but staying dry helped. Rain or shine, you’ll still have a blast.

Things to Do in Charleston

Charleston is a city that offers year-round activities, events, sightseeing, and more. Whether you arrive a few days before or want something to do the day after Holy Smokes, these are the best bets in the Lowcountry. Book some tours and see more of this spectacular area known as the Deep South!

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Historic Charleston City Market

Stroll through the city’s historic market and shop for local goods and unique crafts. With indoor stores and an outdoor marketplace featuring work by local artists, handmade sweetgrass baskets, fine regional foods, and impeccable coastal clothing, it’s all here at the Charleston City Market.

Located in central downtown, the Market is also the best place to find souvenirs and take home a surcee –a thoughtful, unexpected gift – from the Holy City.

Fun Fact: As a teenager, I hung out at the City Market on weekend evenings, listening to local musicians – some who became pop stars – jam after the vendors had closed up their tables.

Charleston Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a luxury boat ride on the Spirit of Carolina around Charleston’s famous harbor. The tour includes an appetizing, three-course dinner made to order with local ingredients. Sip on savory cocktails from the full-service bar as you glide past The Battery, Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge, and more.

⛴️ BOOK NOW to reserve your spot on The Spirit of Carolina

Bask in the golden hour, watching the sunset as you listen to inspiring music, creating memories of your visit to the Holy City.

Personal note: I’ve enjoyed cruising on the Spirit of Carolina and can attest to this spectacular voyage. The boat is spacious, the amenities are plentiful, and the crew is attentive. You’ll love it!

⛴️ Book your Luxury Harbor Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina today!

Absolute Reel Screamer Charters

Captain Gresh Meggett of Absolute Reel Screamer Charters started his company in the 1990s, enlightening adventurers to the land he grew up knowing and loving, from the inlets of Folly Beach to the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, Captain Gresh will guide you on a fun-filled day on the water and an unforgettable fishing experience.

Fun Fact: an 8th-generation Charlestonian whose great-grandfather founded a notable academy for equal education, Gresh is a well-respected figure in the community, known for his expertise in Lowcountry fishing.

🐬BOOK NOW to join Captain Gresh for a 2-hour, private Dolphin and Eco-Tour

Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Charleston Tea Garden

This all-day tour travels from Charleston to nearby Wadmalaw Island, where visitors will marvel at a 500-year-old angel oak tree, enjoy delicious tea at the Charleston Tea Garden, and savor fine wine at a local vineyard.

🌳 Reserve your spot now for an all-day tour of Wadmalaw Island!

An icon for decades among the locals, you’ll be amazed by the Angel Oak, believed to be one of the oldest trees east of the Mississippi River. Next up, a visit to Charleston Tea Garden, with tea bushes stretched out for acres and some of the finest hand cream I’ve ever used.

As the perfect finish to this tour, you’ll visit Deep Water Vineyard, where grapes are harvested and wine bottled directly on-site. Explore the vineyard’s walking trails, meet gentle animals, recline in the lush garden with a pond, and pick up some treasures at the vineyard gift shop.

🍷 BOOK NOW and get ready to tour Wadmalaw Island!

Wrap Up

So, now you know all about Holy Smokes, A Lowcountry Barbecue Festival in Charleston, S.C., happening November 9th, 2024, including where to stay and what to do in the area.

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!