North Wildwood Hosts 2025 BBQ & Blues Festival This Weekend

If you’re the kind of person who believes that ribs taste better with a side of blues, then clear your calendar because one of the Wildwoods’ most delicious and soulful weekends is making its return!

The 27th Annual New Jersey State Barbecue Championship & Anglesea Blues Festival is firing up the grills and cranking up the amps Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13 in North Wildwood’s Entertainment District at 2nd & Olde New Jersey Avenues.

This epic three-day event combines the smoky goodness of award-winning barbecue with the raw emotion of live blues music, making it a must-visit for foodies and music lovers alike. And the best part? Admission is FREE!

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Barbecue teams from across the country will be battling it out to see who reigns supreme in the world of smoked meats. Categories include pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and brisket, with awards given for 1st through 5th place in each.

The real crown, though, is the coveted Grand Champion title — and yes, that comes with a golden ticket to the American Royal World Championship in Kansas City!

All judging is handled by the pros at the Kansas City Barbecue Society, so you know the competition will be hot and the standards high.

While the smell of barbecue fills the air, the streets will come alive with the sweet sound of the blues thanks to the Anglesea Blues Festival, which runs alongside the BBQ Championship.

Expect a stellar lineup of both national and regional acts performing free outdoor concerts on the main stage, with even more live music in nearby pubs and clubs.

Here’s the main stage lineup:

Friday, July 11 (4 PM – 11 PM)

The Outcrops (4 PM – 7 PM)
The Michael Allman Band (7:30 PM – 10:30 PM)

Saturday, July 12 (10 AM – 11 PM)

Bluestime (11 AM – 1 PM)
Four On The Floor (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
The Billy Walton Band (4 PM – 7 PM)
SlideWinder Blues Band (7:30 PM – 10:30 PM)

Sunday, July 13 (10 AM – 6 PM)

Slim & The Percolators (11 AM – 1 PM)
Zydeco Go-Go (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

Beyond the BBQ and blues, visitors can enjoy an open-air market all weekend long, featuring food vendors, craft merchants, and all kinds of Wildwood charm. It’s a great spot to pick up a souvenir, snack on something sweet, or grab a refreshing drink while soaking in the tunes.

Skip the parking stress and hop on the Jitney Shuttle for just $3 per ride. The Wildwoods Island Shuttle runs from Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood to Diamond Beach in Wildwood Crest with extended hours during the festival:

Friday & Saturday: 5 PM – 2 AM
Sunday: 5 PM – Midnight

So whether you’re a BBQ fanatic, a blues devotee, or just someone looking for a good time down the shore, make your way to North Wildwood July 11–13 for a weekend that’s smokin’ in every sense of the word.

For more info, check out www.njbbq.com, www.angleseablues.com, or www.WildwoodsNJ.com.