WASHINGTON, D.C. — This June, Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest will once again sizzle with the sounds of D.C.’s iconic go-go music and the aroma of award-winning barbecue as the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle returns for its 33rd year.
Taking place on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, between 3rd and 7th Streets, this beloved two-day celebration is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the heart of the nation’s capital. With an estimated 100,000 attendees last year, organizers are preparing for another high-energy weekend filled with food, music, and community spirit.
A Festival Rooted in Flavor and Culture
The Barbecue Battle has earned its reputation as more than just a cook-off—it’s a full-fledged summer kickoff celebration, officially recognized by Congress. In 2023, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton entered the event into the congressional record, acknowledging it as “the official kickoff of summer in our Nation’s Capital.”
While top-tier barbecue from across the country is always the festival’s main attraction, this year’s event promises a vibrant mix of live music, local culinary showcases, and philanthropic partnerships.
Go-Go Takes Center Stage
This year’s event will feature performances by a lineup of go-go music legends, paying tribute to one of D.C.’s most distinct musical genres. Headlining the music stage is the Chuck Brown Band, honoring the legacy of the late Chuck Brown, known as the Godfather of Go-Go.
Joining them are some of the city’s most celebrated go-go groups, including:
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Be’la Dona
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Big Tony and Trouble Funk
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Junkyard Band
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EU featuring Sugar Bear
Their performances are set to bring an authentic D.C. vibe to the heart of the festival, making the music a must-see attraction for locals and visitors alike.
World-Class Food Meets Local Favorites
In addition to national barbecue competitors, the festival will showcase several standout D.C.-based restaurants and eateries along what’s being called World Central Kitchen Restaurant Row. Featured vendors include:
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Yellow
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Chiko
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Joia Burger
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Colada Shop
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Falafel Inc.
This section of the festival not only highlights the region’s diverse culinary scene but also supports a good cause. Twenty percent of all purchases made along Restaurant Row will be donated to World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit known for providing meals to communities affected by crisis.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Tickets for the BBQ Battle are now available at BBQDC.com, with pricing structured to welcome all kinds of attendees:
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$20 for a one-day pass
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$30 for a weekend pass
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$60 for a family four-pack
These passes grant access to all food competitions, live music stages, cooking demonstrations, and interactive exhibits across the event’s footprint.
More Than Just Barbecue
Aside from delicious eats and non-stop music, festivalgoers can expect a range of experiences, including:
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Cooking demos by celebrity chefs
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Interactive exhibits from local brands and national sponsors
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Family-friendly activities, including games and food tastings
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Health and wellness zones, fitness sessions, and product samples
Whether you’re a foodie, a go-go fan, or simply looking for the perfect way to kick off summer, the 2025 Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle promises something for everyone.
To learn more about the event, performers, food vendors, or to purchase tickets, visit BBQDC.com.
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