Santa Maria BBQ Festival

04/17/2026

About yesterday… We are starting our own crew at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 and were invited to help and learn for the monthly Stag night event hosted at the lodge. We were taught the Elks way of doing things and learned the process to rod Top Sirloin aka Top Block which is what real Santa Maria BBQ is all about. Thanks to everyone that helped show us the way and to the 171 people we fed for all the compliments and encouragement to keep doing this. I love BBQing and this is definitely a bucket list and honor to be able to cook within our lodge. Great job to the crew and all the volunteers that made this happen.

04/02/2026

The NEW and IMPROVED Santa Maria BBQ & Music Festival will include over 40 bands on 2 Stages and it's all FREE to enjoy from September 18th - 20th at the Santa Maria Fairpark!

Headlined by Los Hermanos Mendoza on Country Night on Saturday, September 19th; and Reggae Legend Pato Banton on Reggae Night on Sunday, September 20th!

Guests can purchase a special a VIP Ticket that includes access to a private area in front of the Main Stage that includes a VIP Bar, Restrooms, and Seating.
Both headliners will be signing autographs and taking pictures with guests in the VIP Area after their shows!

For more information visit www.SMBBQFestival.com

04/01/2026

This ain't no joke! The NEW and IMPROVED Santa Maria BBQ & Music Festival will now be a 3-day, family-friendly event at the Santa Maria Fairpark on September 18th - 20th!

It will be a FREE Admission Event and include FREE Parking PLUS

• 40+ Bands on 2 Stages including headliners Los Hermanos Mendoza and Reggae Legend Pato Banton
• Carnival with Rides & Games
• Ticketed Santa Maria BBQ Tasting on Saturday, September 19th
• Ticketed Santa Maria Beer Festival on Sunday, September 20th
• Special VIP Section in front of the Main Stage
• 40+ Food & Merchant Vendors

Tickets are now available at https://eventsbyenfuego.ticketsauce.com/e/2026-santa-maria-bbq-festival

For more information visit www.SMBBQFestival.com

Proudly presented by Central City Entertainment, En Fuego Events and Santa Maria Valley

03/26/2026

Hey BBQ fans, we have some big news coming and we’re getting ready to release tickets and open registration for teams. Keep an eye on our pages and website for updates and details.

The official website for the "only" Santa Maria Barbecue Festival. Stay updated on tickets, entertainment and other information.

01/23/2026

Big things are coming soon from our event companies. Get ready for a whole new experience, level of events and lots of exciting things. Iykyk! Central City Entertainment En Fuego Events 🔥🔥🔥