The 8th Annual Santa Maria BBQ & Music Festival returns to Pioneer Park Sept. 18-20, bringing three full days of authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue, live music, carnival rides, food, shopping and family entertainment to Santa Maria.
The festival celebrates the authentic style of Santa Maria-style barbecue that was created more than 150 years ago, right here in Santa Maria. Organizers proudly recognize the event as the only Santa Maria-style BBQ festival in the nation, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate one of the region’s most iconic culinary traditions.
Admission and parking are free, making the festival an accessible weekend celebration for families, barbecue enthusiasts, music fans and visitors from throughout the Central Coast and beyond.
The weekend also includes some ticketed options such as the annual Santa Maria BBQ Tasting Competition on Saturday, Sept. 19; Santa Maria Beer Festival on Sunday, Sept. 20; and VIP Area access in front of the stage all weekend.
Three Days of Music and Entertainment
Music will take center stage throughout the weekend with more than 20 bands performing, featuring an exciting mix of musical styles and nationally recognized talent.
The 2026 lineup is headlined by reggae legend Pato Banton along with national country touring artists Los Hermanos Mendoza. With live performances throughout the festival, there will be something for music fans of all ages.
Friday music kicks off with a loaded lineup featuring local band After Eight; everyone’s favorite 80s tribute band, the Molly Ringwald Project; and Santa Maria’s own Mestizo.
On Saturday, we keep the stage rocking with Brett and Chris Music; Rock Odyssey; Maclovia, the 90s Babiez and the day ends with Country Night featuring Los Hermanos Mendoza—a trio of brothers from Bakersfield that are inspired by artists like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Dwight Yoakam, the band is building a sound rooted in tradition while bringing a fresh voice to country music from the West Coast.
Sunday begins with Fiesta Sunday featuring Mariachi Mexacinisimo, Soul Kool and Equipo Elite; and the weekend ends with Reggae Night featuring Elevation 805, True Zion and Reggae Legend Pato Banton — a Grammy-nominated reggae artist that has toured the world and puts on one of the best live performances that you have witnessed.
Beyond the music, the festival will feature a full carnival with all your favorite rides and games for all ages, along with more than 40 food and merchant vendors offering a wide variety of food, beverages, merchandise and goods.
Discounted Unlimited Ride Wristbands are available for purchase on the website.
Guests can save some money by pre-purchasing the Ride Wristbands until Thursday, Sept. 17.
Santa Maria BBQ Tasting Competition Returns
One of the weekend’s most anticipated ticketed events is the Annual Santa Maria BBQ Tasting Competition, taking place Saturday. Santa Maria Valley is the California Central Coast destination that put West Coast barbecue on the map. Originating in the mid-1800s, local ranchers hosted Spanish-style feasts to show gratitude towards their fellow vaqueros (America’s first cowboys). The feast consisted of meat slow roasted over the flames of a red-oak fire, served with a side of pinquito beans and a fresh green salad. Santa Maria Style has since evolved to include tri-tip, popularized in the 1950s.
Fifteen competing BBQ teams will battle it out for the title of Best Santa Maria-Style BBQers in the Nation.
For barbecue lovers, the tasting competition offers the ultimate opportunity to sample the creations of all 15 competing teams. Tickets are $50 per person and include unlimited samples from the participating BBQ teams.
Looking to make it a party? A 4-Pack is available for just $150, providing a savings for
groups attending together.
Santa Maria Beer Festival Returns
After taking a hiatus in 2019, the Santa Maria Beer Festival is making its return as part of the 2026 Santa Maria BBQ & Music Festival.
The Beer Festival will feature more than 15 participating alcohol companies, giving guests age 21 and over the opportunity to sample a wide variety of beverages. Tickets are $35 for guests 21+ and include unlimited samples from participating alcohol companies as well as samples from the festival bars.
Giving Back to Santa Maria’s Kids
The Santa Maria BBQ & Music Festival is more than a celebration of food, music and community. The event also benefits the Santa Maria Kiwanis for Kids Program, helping support programs and initiatives benefiting local children.
For information and tickets visit www.SMBBQFestival.com.