Maryland State BBQ Bash: Hours, Music, Parking, Road Closures

BEL AIR, MD — This weekend the MD State BBQ Bash will bring live music, barbecue food, craft vendors and fun for the whole family to Bel Air. Tens of thousands are expected to attend the Bel Air Downtown Alliance's signature event.

Admission is free, and the bash is rain or shine.

Weather is expected to be sunny with clear skies. The forecast calls for a high of 86 and low of 68 degrees Friday and high near 84 and low of 61 degrees Saturday in Bel Air, according to the National Weather Service.

Here's what you need to know about the Maryland BBQ Bash 2019:

Where

Mary Risteau Building parking lot, 2 South Bond Street, Bel Air

When

• 4–10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9
• 12–10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10

Parking and Shuttle

There will be shuttles at Bel Air High School and the John Carroll School from 3:30–10:30 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Saturday.

Parking is free in downtown Bel Air after 5 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday.

Handicap parking is available at the Bond/Thomas Lot next to the Harford County Chamber of Commerce at 108 South Bond Street.

Road Closures

These roads will be closed from 5 a.m. Friday to 10 p.m. Saturday, Bel Air police advise:

• Thomas Street from South Bond Street to Hays Street
• Pennsylvania Avenue from Bond Street to Hays Street
• Hays Street from Thomas Street to Alice Anne Street

Drivers should anticipate heavy traffic and be extra careful, particularly around Bond Street. Pedestrians should not cross unless they are at crosswalks.

Food

Food vendors are also contestants in the MD State BBQ Bash Tailgate Challenge and Maryland State BBQ Championship, competing for cash prizes and the chance to participate in the world barbecue championship in Tennessee.

Music Lineup

Friday, Aug. 9

• 5-7 p.m. The Robbie Booth Band
• 8-10 p.m. Dillion Carmichael

Saturday, Aug. 10

• 2-4 p.m. The Grinders
• 5-7 p.m. Chapel Road
• 8-10 p.m. Stephanie Quayle

Kids' Tent Entertainment

Friday, Aug. 9
4-8 p.m. Sparky's Music Studios presents interactive musical instrument experiences
4-8 p.m. Face Paint By Micki and balloon animals

Saturday, Aug. 10
12-2 p.m. Sparky's Music Studios presents interactive musical instrument experiences
12-4 p.m. Bel Air Branch of Harford County Public Library hosts story time
2-3:30 p.m. Baltimore Hoop Love presents henna tattoos
3:30-6 p.m. Princess Palace Parties offers pics with a live princess
4-6 p.m. Sparky's Music Studios presents interactive musical instrument experiences
6-8 p.m. Face Paint By Micki and balloon animals

Check out the official Maryland BBQ Bash 2019 t-shirt, which will be for sale at the event.