Blues, Brews & BBQ returns to downtown Farmington this weekend

Blues, Brews & BBQ, sponsored by Discover Farmington, returns to downtown this Friday and Saturday. Along with a St. Louis BBQ Society-sanctioned BBQ Contest, the event also offers free live music, a play area for kids, and a wide selection of food and beverage vendors for the entire family (Courtesy of Discover Farmington)

Sixth annual event offers activities, events for all ages

Kevin R. Jenkins, kjenkins@dailyjournalonline.com

Discover Farmington’s Blues, Brews & BBQ (B3) returns Friday and Saturday to downtown Farmington and lives up to its name with lots of great music, beverages and barbecue for all ages.

Since its start six years ago, the annual event has become a Parkland favorite, with one of its top draws being a St. Louis BBQ Society-sanctioned BBQ Contest that brings out some of the best barbecue teams in the nation.

Discover Farmington hosts the 2023 BBQ Competition sponsored by Fireplace and Outdoor Living Supply in Farmington and Fenton.

“The teams will start setting everything up Friday evening and compete through the day Saturday,” said Kristen White of Discover Farmington. “And we’re going to be giving away some pretty good awards.”

This year’s competition offers $8,000 in prizes and handmade trophies to the winners that will be awarded at a 3:30 p.m. BBQ Awards Ceremony on Saturday.

In past years, B3’s full slate of live music has always brought out a crowd, and this year should be no exception.

“I’m really excited about the bands this year,” White said. “Our headliner is Albert Cummings. I’ve heard great things about him, and I’ve heard some of his music online. He’s very talented and has a mix of a little bit of rock and roll and a little bit of blues. He’s actually opened up for B.B. King in the past, so I think he’ll bring a lot to the event. Another good one is Mojo Risen. They’re a local favorite. Big Deal Band is also a local favorite. So, it’ll be a lot of fun to have their local fans here.”

This year’s B3 music lineup also includes the Mineral Area Jazz Band, Sean Canan’s Voodoo Allman Bros., Nick Schnebelen and Eric Johanson — and it’s 100% free.

In addition to the barbecue competition and free music, B3 features a Kids Area, courtesy of CASA of the Parkland; the Autos 4 Autism VW Car Show and the First State Community Bank-sponsored Corn Hole Competition, in addition to a wide selection of food and beverage vendors. For those who might need a break from the sun, a Cooling Tent will be provided by Nicholson Mechanical Contractors.

Albert Cummings, this year’s B3 headliner, will be performing at 8 p.m. Saturday. In addition to Cummings, B3 will offer a weekend full of free musical entertainment. (www.albertcummings.com)

Summing up why she believes the popularity of B3 continues to grow each year, White maintains that it’s because the family-friendly event offers something fun, entertaining and tasty for everybody.

“You’ve got the foodies out there that want to come see all the food trucks,” she said. “The barbecue competitors are coming from all over. I’ve had phone calls from people that are wanting to come in and see the bands that we have playing.

“It’s also a family-friendly event. You can come in the evening and try your craft beer, but it’s also something you can bring the kids to during the day. We’re going to have some really neat artisan vendors. The sponsor of our barbecue competition is going to have food giveaways and do demos, so just a lot of fun for the whole weekend. There’s just lots of good stuff.”

Music/Event Schedule

Friday, Sept. 22

5:30 p.m. Mineral Area Jazz Band

8 p.m. Sean Canan’s Voodoo Allman Bros.

Saturday, Sept. 23

10 a.m. Autos 4 Autism VW Car Show

11 a.m. CASA of the Parkland Kids Area Opens

11:20 a.m. Big Deal Band

2 p.m. FSCB Cares Cornhole Tournament, Mojo Risin’

3:30 p.m. BBQ Awards

4 p.m. Nick Schnebelen

6 p.m. Eric Johanson

8 p.m. Albert Cummings