The Newport BBQ Fest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating Eastern North Carolina barbecue, community, and local heritage while giving back to the place we call home. Our inaugural two-day festival will take place on April 23–24, 2027, at Newport Town Park and will feature a whole-hog barbecue cook-off, live entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. Our mission is to honor the legacy of Newport's past barbecue festivals while creating a fresh, community focused event that raises funds for nonprofit organizations serving Carteret County.