Long Beach BBQ Festival aerial view with downtown skyline
All Events
May 23–24, 2026 — Past Event

LONG BEACH
BBQ FESTIVAL

Southern California's premier celebration of barbecue, live entertainment, local businesses, and community.

This event took place on May 23–24, 2026 at Rainbow Lagoon Park, Long Beach. Thank you to everyone who attended!

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By the Numbers

2026 FESTIVAL
HIGHLIGHTS

13,000+

Attendance

100+

Vendors

20+

Sponsors

10+

Entertainment Acts

2

Community Impact Days

About the Festival

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S PREMIER BBQ EVENT

The Long Beach BBQ Festival brought together the best pitmasters, food vendors, live entertainment, and community spirit over two unforgettable days at Rainbow Lagoon Park — one of Long Beach's most iconic waterfront venues.

Over 13,000 attendees from across Southern California gathered to experience world-class barbecue, live music performances, local business showcases, and the vibrant energy that only Long Beach can deliver — including a special performance by The Dove Shack performing their classic hit "Summertime in the LBC."

The festival also featured a landmark culinary moment: a collaboration with Food Network's Chopped Castaway star Logan Sandoval and Long Beach's first-ever whole steer cook — a historic milestone for the city's food culture.

Produced by Axiom Productions, the festival demonstrated the company's ability to execute large-scale outdoor events that celebrate food, culture, and community.

Welcome entrance arch to Long Beach BBQ Festival
Long Beach BBQ Festival main stage with city skyline

Live Entertainment Stage

Aerial view of Long Beach BBQ Festival grounds

Festival Grounds — Rainbow Lagoon Park

Photo Gallery

2026 FESTIVAL PHOTOS

Aerial view of Long Beach BBQ Festival with Rainbow Lagoon and whale mural
BBQ vendor village with colorful tents and crowds
Aerial view showing festival stage and vendor area
Long Beach BBQ Festival stage with skyline backdrop
BBQ pitmasters and vendor activations
Aerial view of festival grounds with beach in background
Full aerial view of Long Beach BBQ Festival grounds
Welcome entrance arch to Long Beach BBQ Festival over Rainbow Lagoon
BBQ vendor village with pitmasters and smokers

Vendor Village

WORLD-CLASS PITMASTERS & LOCAL FAVORITES

The 2026 festival featured over 100 BBQ vendors, food trucks, and culinary artisans — from championship pitmasters to beloved Long Beach restaurants — all competing for the title of best BBQ in Southern California.

BBQ CompetitionFood TrucksLocal RestaurantsCraft BeveragesDessertsCommunity Vendors

Next Up

Smoke & Oak

September 5, 2026

View Event