Ocean State BBQ Festival Gets Cooking at The Steel Yard

It’s a well-known fact that Rhode Island is a treasure for all things seafood: we’ve got oysters, clams and the best “chowda” around. However, when it comes to BBQ, our culinary game is kind of weak. This weekend, that could change at the first ever Ocean State BBQ Festival.

The festival will take place at The Steel Yard on Friday and Saturday, giving you ample time to try all the featured local cooks and restaurants. When you’re feeling thirsty after gorging on meat and tangy sauces, you’ll have access to lots of drinks, beer and spirits from places like Revival Brewing, New Harvest Coffee and much more. The fest will also include plenty of local DJs and live bands such as The Quahogs and Biscuit City.

Of course, what BBQ festival is complete without some kind of contest? In the Best of Smoke-Off competition, complete with “Kansas City” rules, you can watch cooks try to craft the meat in four categories: brisket, ribs, pulled pork and chicken.

This weekend seems like it’ll be a meat-eaters paradise and the perfect way to ring in the summer. Partial proceeds from tickets will go to The Steel Yard educational scholarship fund, so you can indulge in all that meaty goodness for a great cause.

Friday 5-10 pm and Saturday 12-10 pm. 27 Sims Avenue, Providence. www.facebook.com/OSBBQFest