Downtown Minden will be filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of Grilling on Main this weekend as the annual barbecue festival and cook-off returns Friday and Saturday, June 13–14.
The two-day event features live music, fireworks, local food vendors, a cornhole tournament, and a high-stakes barbecue competition. Attendees can sample barbecue from competing teams for $5 per team and vote in the People’s Choice category.
Friday’s schedule includes setup and check-in for competitors throughout the day, followed by the Little Grillers youth competition at 6 PM. Live music by Flight Delay runs from 7 PM to 9 PM, with the cornhole tournament starting at 7:30 PM. Little Grillers awards will be presented at 8 PM, and the evening will close with fireworks at 9 PM.
Saturday’s events begin at 10 AM with a judges meeting. Public sampling for People’s Choice will take place from 11 AM to 2 PM. Official meat turn-in times are 11 AM for chicken, 1 PM for ribs, and 3 PM for brisket, with awards presented at 5 PM.
This year’s non-sanctioned cook-off includes brisket, chicken, ribs, and a team-provided open dish for People’s Choice. Meats are prepared and smoked onsite using any heat source, with winners taking home cash prizes and awards.
The event is organized by Minden Main Street, which is also encouraging downtown businesses to remain open and offer specials for the influx of weekend visitors. Road closures in the downtown district will begin Friday morning at 5 AM and remain in effect through the weekend.
Festival-goers are encouraged to check Minden Main Street’s social media channels for updates and maps.