Kicking off three days of great barbecue…Join us for the High on the Hog Gourmet Pitmaster dinner at Pinehurst’s historic Fair Barn. Hosted by Pitmaster Matt Register from Southern Smoke Barbecue, in Garland, NC, guests will be treated to some of Matt’s best Barbecue dishes and desserts.

The evening includes live entertainment, silent auction and new this year, a bourbon pull. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Purchase tickets here.

2025 Menu

Smoked Tomato Gazpacho with Shrimp Ceviche
Smoked Fish Dip with Fried Saltines
Smoked North Carolina Pork BBQ
New Orleans Style Shrimp
Smoked Spare Ribs
Smoked Petite Filet with Collard Chimichurri
Macaroni & Cheese
Eastern N.C. Cole Slaw
Charred Corn Salad
Summer Squash Rice Pudding
Sweet Cornbread
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bread Pudding

The fifth annual Pinehurst Barbecue Festival is a Celebration of Taste and Tradition, featuring award-winning Pitmaster Christopher Prieto along with many of North Carolina’s celebrated pitmasters in one of the most picturesque settings in the state.

Presented by US Foods, Carolina Co-Packing, Our State Magazine and Pinehurst Resort, the three-day festival – headlined by Prieto – is staged in the Village of Pinehurst, offers a unique culinary experience of various mouthwatering barbecue meats and traditional sides.

Friday, August 29, 2025:
High On The Hog Gourmet
Pitmaster Dinner
Pinehurst Fair Barn
6:30pm-8:30pm

Other Events:

Saturday, August 30, 2025
”Q”-School Grilling Class
Pinehurst Brewing Co.
10:00am-12:00pm

Bourbon & Bites
North & South Bar, The Manor
5:00pm-7:00pm

Barbecue Reimagined
Sandhills Community College
6:00pm-8:00pm

Sunday, August 31, 2025:
Christopher Prieto
Pitmaster Invitational
Village of Pinehurst
Early Admission*: 11:00am
Regular Admission: Noon
Event Ends: 5:00pm

*Early Entry Ticket Required