GREENFIELD — The Riverside Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival returns to town for its seventh year next weekend at a new location — the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
The festival, hosted by the Greenfield Recreation Department and Lefty’s Brewing Company, features a Northeast Barbecue Society Grilling Contest, Kansas City Barbeque Society BBQ Contest, Lefty’s Brewing Company brew tent, live blues music, People’s Choice BBQ Samplin’ Pit, vendors, contests and more. It will be held Saturday, Oct. 7, rain or shine at the fairgrounds off of Wisdom Way. The event is 21+ and IDs will be checked at the gate.
“The People’s Choice Samplin’ Pit is back by popular demand,” Recreation Director Christy Moore said.
It will feature chicken wings by professional barbecue contestants. The tent will be open from noon until the food runs out, and tickets can be purchased at the tent — $5 for six tickets. Specialty food booths will also be at the festival to offer additional options to patrons.
The Riverside Blues, Brews & BBQ cook-off is sanctioned by the Northeast Barbecue Society and Kansas City Barbeque Society — the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts, with more than 10,000 members worldwide. KCBS sanctions almost 300 barbeque contests coast-to-coast, where competitions for barbequed chicken, ribs, pork and brisket are served up and judged by certified judges.
Competitors from all over the region will be vying for $5,500 in prize money.
Greenfield’s own Lefty’s Brewing Company will be on tap in the lefty’s Brew Saloon from noon to 5 p.m. Pints and half pints will be available for purchase, including an exclusive Riverside Blues, Brews & BBQ ale.
Contests will also be held during the event, including a stein hoisting competition, keg toss, barrel roll and a fling-a-frank competition. Lawn games will also be available throughout the day.
“We are lucky enough to also be able to showcase some outstanding blues musicians who will be playing live throughout the festival,” Moore said.
The line-up includes Wildcat O’Halloran Band, Danielle Miragli, EasyBaby and Janet Ryan.
The festival is a fundraising event for the Greenfield Recreation Department, with proceeds supporting programs and events for families within the community. Admission is $20 and includes a souvenir pint glass, one free pint from Lefty’s Brewing and a $2 food voucher. There is a special rate of $10 for designated drivers who make sure their friends get home safely.
Pre-sale tickets can be purchased through Oct. 4 at the Recreation Department, Lefty’s Brewing Company and Ryan & Casey Liquors.
For more information, visit riversidebluesandbbq.com or call 413-772-1553.