Get In the Know

What are the dates for the festival?

• Saturday, September 7 - 10:00am - 10:00pm
• Sunday, September 8 - 10:00am - 4:00pm

Where is the festival located?

The 2024 festival will take place on the north end of the Gateway Arch Park (Washington Ave.) and the south side of Laclede's Landing (just north of the Eads Bridge).

The main festival entrance will be at 1st St and Lucas Ave.

Tickets are required to enter the Q BBQ Fest. Choose between a free GA Grounds Pass (pay-as-you-go) or a 2.5-hour all-you-can-eat/drink experience.

Kids are allowed inside the Q BBQ Fest grounds on Saturday and Sunday. and Saturday. Children 14 & under are free to enter the VIP lounge with a ticketed adult during any session on Friday or Saturday. Children 15+ will require a ticket to enter the VIP area.

What methods of payment can be used at the festival?

VIP guests - Once you enter the festival grounds, all of your food (samples from all 12 pitmasters) and beverage (beer, wine, cocktails, soda, water) are included in your ticket. At your discretion, you can make additional purchases for event merchandise, sauces & rubs, sponsor and vendor sales items, and more.

GA Grounds Pass guests will have food and beverages available for purchase throughtout the festival on Saturday and Sunday.

We are a cashless event. Credit or Debit only.

Where do I park?

There is public parking available surrounding the Gateway Arch Park and Laclede's Landing. The Laclede's Landing Train Stop is directly in the middle of the festival. We also highly encourage using ride-share options if possible.

What if it rains?

We will be there rain or swine! Bring a rain jacket and join us for some stellar BBQ either way.

What streets will be closed?

Lenor K. Sullivan, 1st and 2nd ave. between Morgan St. and the Eads Bridge. Lucas St. from 2nd St. to the river. Washington Ave on the south side of the Eads Bridge.

Can I sample the BBQ?

Yes! Our Pitmasters will be selling a BBQ dish and side dish of their choice on Pit Row.

What is the average price of food and drinks at the festival?

Pricing varies for each vendor but on average, ranges from $3-$5 for sides, and $7-$12 for protiens.

How late will BBQ be served during the festival?

We’ll sell the BBQ until it runs out or the festival closes—whichever comes first!

Are the VIP Tickets Pit Passes date-specific, or can they be used any of the three days?

Yes, the VIP tickets are date and time-specific to make sure there is enough BBQ to go around and to ensure you have a comfortable and rewarding experience at the festival. You can choose from one of six sessions available throughout the weekend when you purchase your Pit Pass.

*VIP tickets also act as an all day GA Grounds Pass. You can enter the festival grounds before your session begins and/or stay after your session ends. VIP perks are only available during your designated session times.

Can I bring in my own water?

Empty water bottles and hydration packs are allowed in and we will have water filling stations available.

Are guests without Pit Passes allowed in the Q Pit Lounges?

No, they are not.

Will there be cooking demos during my session?

Yes, we will have demos running throughout the weekend on the Weber Demo Stage.

What items are prohibited at the festival?

• Any large bags such as duffel bags, coolers or luggage.
• Any hard-sided containers, including camera and binocular cases, thermoses, and coolers
• Glass bottles or cans. Alcohol that is not purchased at the festival is grounds for immediate ejection from the event without a refund
• Noisemakers, such as whistles or air horns
• Footballs, Frisbees, lacrosse balls, and inflatable balls
• Fireworks, lasers, or weapons of any kind

What items are permitted at the festival?

• Smaller bags such as clutches, purses, cinch bags, fanny packs, diaper bags and backpacks. Please note, these items are subject to search upon entry.
• Wagons and strollers.
• Small hand-sized clutch bag with or without a shoulder strap
• Seat cushions that are one solid piece of foam without an case, zippers, or covering
• Empty water, sports or Nalgene bottles. Festival goers may refill them once inside the Q
• Small, compact umbrellas without metal tips

Are dogs allowed at the festival?

Unfortunately, your furry friends are not allowed at the festival.

Other than the pitmasters, what vendors will be at the festival?

Please visit our vendors page for more information Passes at the festival?

What is the earliest time guests can pick up their VIP Pit Passes at the festival?

VIP ticket holders can pickup their 2.5-hr passes anytime on the day of their session. The VIP check-in tent will be along 1st Ave between the Eads Bridge and Lucas St. VIP ticket holders will only have access to the VIP lounge and VIP pitmaster fast-pass lanes during their designated 2.5 hour session.

What food will the pitmasters be serving during the festival?

Please visit our Pitmasters page for menu items