• This is a past event. We will update next upcoming event details as soon as they are available.

Southern food experts can put their taste buds to good work at the Annual Step Up For Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-off – a yearly event that focuses on a competitive yet fun BBQ competition. Held along the lake at Carolina Beach, this fundraiser is a great way to enjoy a big helping of local eats, an array of great music, and plenty of good times with fellow food fans.

The focal point of the Annual Step Up For Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-off is the barbecue competition, and local teams will serve up big samples for patrons who can then vote for their favorites. The tasting gets underway at 11 a.m. while supplies last, and an Awards Ceremony follows in the afternoon at roughly 1 p.m. Along the way, there will be live music provided by The Cut and Idlewild South, The Allman Brothers Band Tribute, as well as a number of arts, craft and food vendors for attendees to explore. With proceeds going to benefit veterans in the local Cape Fear and Wilmington areas, the Annual Step Up For Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-off is a great way to discover all the downhome flavors and inherent fun of Carolina Beach while supporting a wonderful local cause.