Grills, Wheels & Tail Wags! Dogs Welcome at Las Vegas’ Hottest BBQ Festival and Car Show
Get ready for a day of smoky ribs, shiny rides, and wagging tails — because the 3rd Annual Las Vegas BBQ Festival & Car Show is back and dog-friendly! Returning to Red Rock Harley-Davidson on Saturday, October 25, 2025, this sizzling celebration — hosted by the Nevada BBQ Association — combines the best of barbecue, classic cars, and community spirit. Running from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., it’s free for all spectators (and their pups!), making it one of the most laid-back, family- and pet-friendly events in the Las Vegas calendar.
Smoke, Spice, and Everything Nice
Pitmasters from across the Silver State will be firing up their smokers to compete for a sizzling $6,000 prize pool, serving up the kind of BBQ that could make even your dog drool. Guests can sample tender chicken drums, perfectly glazed ribs, and creative cook’s choice sides, all while helping decide who takes home the trophy for Vegas’s best BBQ. To join the action, guests can purchase BBQ Sample Packs — each packed with tasting tickets and voting tokens so you can eat, enjoy, and help crown the champ. With options ranging from $20 to $100, there’s plenty of flavor to go around.
The day kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with ticket sales, followed by the National Anthem at noon. Sampling begins shortly after, and at 1:30 p.m., BBQ legend Christie Vanover will host a live pitmaster demo, sharing insider tips straight from the grill. Sampling continues until 4:00 p.m. (or until the food runs out — which, let’s be honest, might happen sooner).
Classic Cars, Cold Drinks & Canine Companions
Alongside the smoky showdown, Detail Garage will host a spectacular Car Show featuring an eye-popping lineup of hot rods, classics, and custom rides that gleam brighter than a new collar tag. While you admire the cars, your furry sidekick can stroll the grounds — this event is leash-friendly, and there’s plenty of space for sniffing and socialising.
Families will find even more to enjoy, from games and raffles to local vendor stalls selling everything from BBQ gear to pet-friendly goodies. Kids can bounce off their energy in the bounce house area for just $5, while adults can cool off in the Beer Garden (21+), where craft beers and icy alcoholic slushies will be flowing all afternoon. The atmosphere is pure Americana — the scent of barbecue smoke, the rumble of engines, and dogs lounging happily beside their humans under the desert sun.
A Festival That Brings Everyone Together
The Nevada BBQ Association has cooked up more than just a food festival — it’s a celebration of flavor, friendship, and community. With free entry, free parking, and open paws policy, the Las Vegas BBQ Festival & Car Show has quickly become one of the city’s most beloved fall traditions. Whether you’re there to taste the best ribs in town, admire a gleaming classic car, or simply spend the day outdoors with your dog, this event promises plenty of fun, flavor, and tail wags for everyone.
Because let’s face it — nothing goes better with good BBQ than good company… especially the four-legged kind.
