Barbecues Lovers in Quebec City, a brand-new competition endorsed by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) will be held in Loretteville on June 2nd. This year,Le Grand Boucan will take place with other well-established events and festivals both in Canada and the United States during this same month. From Washington through New York to Edmonton, here are some of the upcoming highlights.
Le Grand Boucan, Loretteville (Quebec)
On its website, the KCBS calls it Quebec City International BBQ & Music Festival, but the event is named Le Grand Boucan. More than 20 teams from Canada and the United States will compete togrill the best pulled pork, St. Louis Style Ribs, prime ribs, and chicken thighs. The day will also be open to amateurs as part of a competition that will be judged by Bob Le Chef and other public figures. Representatives of local sports teams such as Les Remparts, Rouge et Or, and Les Capitales will also participate.
As for music lovers, country will be the headline of the festival with Nashville singer Robby Johnson from St-Georges-de-Beauce. Pépé et sa guitare, Laurence Doire, and a DJ will also perform. Activities for children are planned during this new gathering at Colisée de Loretteville on June 2nd.
Big Apple BBQ Block Party (New York, New York)
On June 9th and 10th, Madison Avenue and the Madison Square Park surroundings will be having thousands of people eager to enjoy barbecue, music, and culinary discoveries. Many of the country's best Grill Masters such as Bill Durney, Joe Duncan, John Stage, and Pat Martin will be joining the festivities.
Tastings, products demonstrations, and entertainment for children are also planned. The music scene will feature Dead Horses, Adam Ezra Group, and Cris Jacobs. The event usually attracts 130,000 participants each year and the proceeds benefit the Madison Square Park Conservancy.
BBQ Fest Rickard's (Quebec, Quebec)
Quebec will celebrate barbecue twice next month. The BBQ Fest Rickard's will be back for a 7th edition from June 15th to 17th. The organization promises several new products this year. Beyond street food, artisans, music artists, guest chefs, local producers, and thematic areas, it will also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Porkapalooza BBQ Festival (Edmonton, Alberta)
Albertans will enjoy several grilled dishes at the Porkapalooza BBQ Festival in Northlands on June 16th-17th. For this 5th edition, the organization will bring together key ingredients for success such as music, local food trucks, cooking demonstrations, a competition, and many other entertainments.
The Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle (Washington, DC)
Like every year, the federal capital will celebrate barbecues in style on Pennsylvania Avenue on 23rd and 24th. It must be said that with more than 25 editions, they have gained the experience to plan a festival of high magnitude. Attendees will enjoy free tastings, a tent offering local flavors, and popular restaurants across the country that will grill BBQ chicken, pork, and spare ribs.
Music will not be left out with thirty performances of rock, jazz, and blues. The Plain White T's, a group best known for their song Hey There Delilah, and Bad Influence are headlining the festivities.
Other notable attractions include a competition, a hot dog eating contest, and renowned chefs.
A few other suggestions
If you're looking for other festivals to satisfy your barbecue cravings, consider the Wolfe BBQ Fest in Richmond, Quebec (June 15th-17th) and Toronto Ribfest (June 29th-July 2nd).
