The BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival

Fire up the grills, tap the kegs and crank up the tunes for Reno’s best summer kick-off party in mid-June, the BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival! The festival is part barbecue block party and part microbrew tasting event and is one of Reno’s iconic summer events. Downtown Reno rocks with live entertainment, amazing food, and beer from more than 65 local, regional and international breweries.

The streets of downtown are lined with food booths and vendors, and there are two stages featuring non-stop rock and blues music. Quickly becoming known for bringing in big name headliners; previous acts of the BBQ, Blues and Brews Festival include Blood, Sweat & Tears, Everclear and Smashmouth. The BBQ, Blues and Brews Festival is free to the public to enjoy the music and browse vendors for some retailing. Festival-goers can purchase a wristband for unlimited tastings, or tokens to sample select beers. With so much sudsy deliciousness to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed to taste them all. Many local breweries take part in the BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival including Eldorado’s Brew Brothers, The Depot, Pigeon Head Brewery and Lead Dog Brewing.

Oh ya, did we mention the mouth-watering barbecue? From slow-smoked brisket to ribs, the BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival vendors are serving up a little something for everyone.

BBQ, Brews & Blues Events and Activities

Tasting Packages

For the ultimate experience, you’ll want to grab yourself a tasting package. Packages include one commemorative tasting mug and an unlimited beer-tasting wristband for the day of your choice. For the real go-getters, two-day tasting packages are available. New this year, a Tap Tent VIP experience includes an all-you-can-eat BBQ and unlimited beverages with spacious, shaded seating and close proximity to live music.

Entertainment

Quickly becoming known for bringing in big headliners, this year is no different. With two nights of entertainment of two stages, your weekend will be filled with nonstop rock, pop and blues. Friday night’s headliner features Purple Reign and The Prince Tribute Show, and Saturday night’s headliner features The Music of Chicago. Check out the full lineup for both stages on Friday and Saturday nights. 

The Food

We didn’t forget about the mouthwatering BBQ! From slow-smoked brisket and ribs to hot chicken sandwiches and smokey chicken wings, the 26th Annual BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival vendors are serving up a little something for everyone.

Brewfest Beer Olympics

Participants are welcome to put their strength to the test as teams of four compete in different obstacles and challenges to win the ultimate title of the BBQ, Brews and Blues Beer Olympics Champion. Brewfest Beer Olympics is open both days, featuring corn hole tournaments, camel rides and more.

Check the BBQ Brews and Blues Festival website for an up-to-date schedule.

Find out more about local breweries and distilleries in the Reno Tahoe area!

Check the BBQ Brews and Blues Festival website for an up-to-date schedule, along with our Guide to the BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival.

Find out more about local breweries and distilleries in the Reno Tahoe area, or find more Reno events this weekend!