MD State BBQ Bash Slated For October 2021 In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — After taking a hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Maryland State BBQ Bash is back on for this year, organizers say.

The 2021 Maryland State BBQ Bash will be Oct. 15 and 16, according to Jenny Falcone, executive director of the Bel Air Downtown Alliance.

The Bel Air Downtown Alliance coordinates the bash, which is traditionally held in August.

"We're trying to allow for a little bit more time for people to get their vaccines, for the governor to open things up a little bit more," Falcone said Thursday.

"We just want everybody to be safe," Falcone said, speaking at the Bel Air Economic & Community Development Commission's April 8 meeting at Town Hall.

The 2020 event was postponed from the summer to October but was ultimately canceled as people were discouraged from gathering due to person-to-person transmission of the coronavirus.

Usually the Maryland State BBQ Bash brings about 50 teams from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond to 2 South Bond Street in downtown Bel Air as they compete for a chance to be in the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and The American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri. The Jack Daniel's invitational will be from Oct. 8 to 9. The American Royal invitational is tentatively set for Sept. 18.

The Maryland State BBQ Bash is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 15, and Saturday, Oct. 16. Admission is free.

"The decision to move the Maryland State BBQ Bash was made with great consideration by all of the hardworking volunteers who make this outstanding event possible," Falcone said in a news release Friday announcing the shift from August to October. "With more time that goes by and more of our community members getting vaccinated every day, we thought it wise to schedule this beloved event later in the year. We are making every effort to plan a fun and safe event for all attendees."

For updates, follow the Bel Air Downtown Alliance’s website and social media pages.

See Also: Bel Air Mayor Thanks Alliance For Canceling 2020 MD State BBQ Bash