© 2026 WLRN
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A culinary throwdown as West Palm Beach's BBQ, Brews and Blues returns to Historic Northwest

Blues singer Kat Riggins
Courtesy of City of West Palm Beach
Blues singer Kat Riggins

West Palm Beach is firing up the grills this weekend at the Heart & Soul Park for the 11th annual BBQ, Brews and Blues. And it's not without its cooking competition.

Located across the street from the legendary jazz venue Sunset Lounge, the festival features live music, a kid's zone, crafts from popular bookstore Rohi’s Readery and a high-stakes BBQ throwdown.

A prize of $2,000 is up for grabs in a culinary competition featuring vendors GA’s Smokin, Earl’s Slow And Low, Simmer Down Bar & Grill, Clark’s BBQ & More, Twisted Smoke, DA KING OF BBQ, A&A Roadside, Eat Da Bone, Third’s and Foster’s.

This free celebration returns Saturday, Sept. 5. A ticketed VIP experience will be available within the Sunset Lounge.

It's one of the city's "most anticipated events of the year," said Angela Poco, Marketing and Community Events Manager.

It’s all part of an ongoing effort to celebrate the rich culture of the Historic Northwest district, a predominantly Black residential neighborhood that has thrived since the late 1920s.

Live performances include internationally known blues artist Selwyn Birchwood, hometown favorites The Derek Mack Band and Miami’s own Kat Riggins.

“For 10 years, BBQ, Brews and Blues has brought our community together for great food, unforgettable music, and family-friendly memories,” said Mayor Keith James.

He refers to the event as "an evening celebrating the flavors, sounds, spirit, and rich community heritage that make the Historic Northwest so special.”

IF YOU GO
What: 11th Annual BBQ, Brews and Blues
When: Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m
Where: Heart & Soul Park (825 N. Rosemary Ave.)
Learn more here

Wilkine Brutus is the Palm Beach County Reporter for WLRN. The award-winning journalist produces stories on topics surrounding local news, culture, art, politics and current affairs. Contact Wilkine at wbrutus@wlrnnews.org
More On This Topic