Costa Mesa, CA OC BBQ Festival June 9 & 10, 2012,  11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Cost: $10, approx.

OC Fairgrounds
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 
quenforkids.com

Really love Ribs? Then the Rib Eating contest is a must! Maybe you will win the event if you are prepared to scarf down some great BBQ.

Bibs & bellies are beautiful at the The Orange County BBQ Festival featuring on of California's largest BBQ Cook-offs, a Classic Car Show, Kids Zone, and Butterfly Release.

Back to the BBQ -- There isn't much the chef teams from Southern California's restaurants can't throw on a smoker, so be prepared for out of this world ribs, chicken, tri-tip, pulled pork, smoked macaroni & cheese, smoked and grilled veggies, and even a cobbler or two that tastes unique and delicious with some TLC and wood flavor.

The annual event is a competition pitting BBQ Teams, BBQ Caterers, and BBQ Restaurants against each other in the ultimate showdown of smokin' pleasure West of the Mississippi.  Best of all, you get to help judge the winners by voting for your favorites after you have sampled their fare. 

New to this year's event is Beer Tasting! Local breweries will be at the event alongside the BBQ vendors providing samples of their best craft brews for the 21+ crowd.

Think you got what it takes to be the next Mr. BBQ? Check out the event website to size up the competition. Come strut your stuff and claim the title of 2011 Mr. BBQ. Cost for entry is around $50. Must buy a ticket to enter... sold on quenforkids.com


Kid Zone is a free, fun place for children to play all day.  Bounce houses, giant slides, arts & crafts, cupcake decorating, giant human bowling, kids DJ & dance floor, petting zoo featuring costumed animals, and more are offered at the event. The activities may vary slightly but the fun's just the same each year.

Also unique to the event is a car show and a noon time butterfly release. Tickets sold separately to each.

All proceeds from the Orange County BBQ Festival will benefit Kristie's Foundation. Kristie's Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides assistance, support, and cherished moments to critically ill children and their families. You can make a donation if you are unable to attend the event. See kristies.org