This weekend kicks off the second annual Carowinds Bands, Brews, and BBQ event. The festivities will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 29 – August 14, 2016. BBQ booths open at 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
If you have visited Carowinds in the past, you would know Executive Chef Kris Siuta is at the top of his game when it comes to barbecue! Take for example the smoked BBQ pork available at Harmony Hall, which has become a staple during our visits. So we are excited to see a return of the iconic food booths featuring specific Pork, Poultry, and Beef menus. In addition, just like last year, all meals will be served with Chow Chow, a sauerkraut and onion based slaw with balsamic vinaigrette. Each dish is also served with a grilled bread with jalapeño maple spread. Lastly, everyone’s favorite, the banana pudding will make its return.
Guests will be able to try everything from beef brisket to turkey wings to duck, and top it off with one of many variations of sauces ranging from sweet to tangy to mustard and downright vinegar. So lets take a look at the menu available at each of the booths.
Poultry Booth
– Smoked Duck: The duck was good, however we agreed that the spices overpowered the normal duck flavor almost to the point where it could have been chicken and have the same flavor.
– Pulled Chicken
– Smoked Turkey Wing
– Banana Pudding
Pork Booth
– Pulled Hog
– Barbecue Ribs
– Smoked Pork Belly: The smoked pork belly was delectable. It was not too fatty and tasted like an amazingly seasoned piece of bacon goodness. It even had a burnt end edge that just brought it all together.
– Banana Pudding
Beef Booth
– Beef Brisket
– Pulled Smoked Beef
– Beef Rib: Just the right amount of meat to fat ratio that was cooked to perfection with warm, tender smoked meat inside and a dark char on the outside. It was amazing!
– Banana Pudding
Guests also have the opportunity to try a large selection of local hot sauces and BBQ sauces, which lets you customize your BBQ.
While enjoying all the amazing food, guests can sit down and fill their tummies while listening to some favorite tunes as local bands take center stage on the patio just outside of Harmony Hall.
“We’re so pleased to bring back Bands, Brews and BBQs for another year at the park,” says Kris Siuta, Carowinds Executive Chef. “We’ve brought together three favorites under one roof- food, brew and music. Mix that with world-class rides and attractions, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for fun.”
In addition, visitors can try their luck at Beer Pong and Beer Slides and take notes as representatives from Cabela’s show grillers how to smoke meat at home.
Admission to the Bands, Brew, & BBQ event is free with your park admission. To purchase beer or food for Bands, Brews and BBQs, guests will need to buy tokens from a token booth inside the park located near Harmony Hall.
The event has been streamlined on pricing, making all sampling plates only 3 tokens. Tokens can be purchased in the following denominations.
3- $4
6- $8
9- $12
12- $16
15- $20
Guests 21 and over will also be able to indulge in a beer selection from all over, including local brews from Windy Hill Brewery, Big Boss Brewery, Bold Rock Brewery and Quest Brewery. This would also be a great chance to sample Carobrew!
Be sure to share all your photos with #CarowindsBBB! If you attended Carowinds Bands, Brews, and BBQ, be sure to let us know below in the comments what you enjoyed about the event.
To find out more about Bands, Brews & BBQs, see a complete band line-up for the event, or to purchase Carowinds tickets, visit www.carowinds.com.
References: 2015 Carowinds Bands, Brews, & BBQ
2015 Reviews
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Carowinds graciously sponsored our visit with tickets and tokens to coordinate a review. All opinions are those of the author(s).
