The 30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, is serving up a night of bold bites and beachside vibes when it returns to the North Lawn at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on Friday, November 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. Now in its tenth year, the festival continues to blend smoky Southern charm with serious community impact — all to benefit The Sonder Project, a nonprofit organization headquartered right here in Santa Rosa Beach.

A Battle of the ‘Cue

Barbecue lovers, casual grillmasters, and sauce connoisseurs alike will be treated to unlimited samples from some of the best local and regional restaurants, each competing for your vote. Attendees will choose the top three winners, while a panel of guest judges will weigh in with their picks for Judge’s Choice and Most Creative.

This year’s festival lineup brings the heat with returning favorites and newcomers alike. Competitors include 3 Sons BBQ, Auston’s Oyster Bar and Grill, Back Beach Barbecue, Cajun Corner, Cinders and Salt, Evie Mae’s Barbecue, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Moe’s Original BBQ, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KÜ’s BBKÜ, Sons of Amvets Post 29, The Village Door, and Vin’tij Food and Wine — with more expected to join the smoker-studded showdown.

“Every year the competition gets more delicious, so we can’t wait to taste what this year’s vendors have on their grills,” said Chad Zibelman, CEO of The Sonder Project.

Music, Merriment, and Lawn Chair Living

Beyond the barbecue, festivalgoers can sip and stroll through the lawn with complimentary beer from Grayton Beer Company and 30A Premium wine, provided by The 30A Company, courtesy of Heritage 850 Plumbing and Gas Bar. Water will also be available thanks to Grand Boulevard Arts and Entertainment. And to complete the perfect backyard-style atmosphere, Jake’s Beach Service is decking out the lawn with comfortable seating for everyone.

Live music returns with crowd-favorite River Dan, who’s back on stage for the second year in a row. His gritty, Southern-infused sound adds a high-octane beat to an already lively evening.

Local Flavor Off the Grill, and On Display

This festival isn’t just about what’s on your plate. Guests can pop into a commemorative photo booth sponsored by Blankenship Watkins Advisory Group – Christie’s International Real Estate, then shop and browse goods from local makers and vendors including The 30A Company, Action Audio Visual, Dozer Custom Trucker Hats, Bad Cards for Good Golfers, and Shore Thing Cigars.

Adding a creative twist to the night, local artist Lindsay Tobias of Art by Doman will be live painting throughout the evening. Her completed piece will be auctioned off as part of the event’s silent auction, which also includes vacation packages, jewelry, gift baskets, gift cards, and other locally curated experiences. All auction proceeds go directly to The Sonder Project and its ongoing work around the world.

Ticket Info & Travel Tips

General Admission tickets are $60 and include full access to the event, unlimited barbecue tastings, and complimentary beer and wine.

Tickets are now available. Click here to buy them online today.

VIP Admission, priced at $125, offers everything above plus some extra perks: a VIP swag bag sponsored by Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa, access to the exclusive Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort VIP Lounge with a full bar, premium seating near the stage, a photo booth experience sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners, and desserts by Kilwins Sandestin and Sweet Henrietta’s, courtesy of SOJO.

A Decade of Doing Good

“2025 marks our 10-year anniversary, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our 30A family — right where it all began,” said Zibelman.

Founded in 2015, The Sonder Project has made significant strides in global development, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. To date, the organization has drilled 68 wells, providing clean water to more than 65,000 people; sponsored 394 students across 791 cumulative school years; distributed textbooks to over 1,500 students; and maintained a community farm that offers food security and economic opportunities to over 1,000 people.

Last year’s BBQ Festival raised more than $103,000, and this year’s goal is set at $125,000 — a target well within reach with the support of the 30A community.

To learn more about The Sonder Project and 30A BBQ Festival, click here.