30A BBQ Festival Returns to Grand Boulevard on Friday, November 7, 2025 Proceeds from the annual event benefit The Sonder Project
30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, will return to the North Lawn at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin® on Friday, November 7, with proceeds benefiting The Sonder Project.
Barbecue lovers and aficionados are invited from 5-8 p.m. to sample unlimited barbecue from various regional and local eateries, each competing for the title of “Best BBQ”. Restaurants and pitmasters confirmed to compete at this year’s event 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, Sons of Amvets Post 29, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KÜ’s BBKÜ, The Village Door, Vin’tij Food and Wine, and more. Attendees will choose the first, second, and third place winners while a panel of guest judges will sample each dish and award the overall “Judge’s Choice” and “Most Creative” winner.
“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.
In addition to unlimited samples of barbecue, attendees will have full access to the Heritage 850 Plumbing and Gas Bar featuring complimentary beer from Grayton Beer Company and complimentary wine from 30A. Water will also be available courtesy of Grand Boulevard Arts and Entertainment. Jake’s Beach Service will outfit the lawn with complimentary seating while musician, River Dan, will be headlining on stage for the second year in a row, courtesy of David Scott Lee Buick GMC.
Guests will have the opportunity to snap a photo in the commemorative photo booth, sponsored by Blankenship Watkins Advisory Group – Christie’s International Real Estate, and shop from a variety of local vendors, including the 30A Company, Action Audio Visual, Dozer Custom Trucker Hats, Bad Cards for Good Golfers, and Shore Thing Cigars. Local artist, Lindsay Tobias of Art by Doman, will also be selling her original works and live painting a special piece throughout the event, which will then be auctioned off in the silent auction. There will be additional items for guests to bid on in the auction, including vacation stays, gift cards, gift baskets, jewelry, and much more. All proceeds raised from the silent auction will directly benefit The Sonder Project.
“2025 marks our 10-year anniversary, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our 30A family — right where it all began,” Zibelman said.
The Sonder Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to transform lives in Africa. Since its founding in 2015 in Santa Rosa Beach, The Sonder Project has drilled 68 wells providing clean water to 65,000+ people, sponsored 394 students to attend school over 791 cumulative school years, distributed textbooks to over 1,500 students, maintains a community farm providing economic opportunity and food security for over 1,000 people, and much more. Last year, the 2024 30A BBQ Festival raised $103,228 to support these efforts and the goal is to raise $125,000 in 2025.
General admission tickets are on sale for $60 and include access to the festival, unlimited barbecue samples, and complimentary beer and wine. VIP tickets are also on sale for $125 and include the same benefits as general admission, plus exclusive perks. Upon entry, VIP guests will receive a bag and special gift sponsored by Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa. They will then have access to the private Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort VIP Lounge featuring a full bar, additional seating with prime location to the stage, photo booth sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners, and dessert from Kilwins Sandestin and Sweet Henrietta’s, courtesy of SOJO. Both general admission and VIP tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/30ABBQ2025.
For guests traveling from out of town, there are special room rates available. To book a room at Hotel Effie, visit https://bit.ly/EffieBBQ and use code ES7, or to book a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, visit www.sandestin.com and use code BBQ30A. Additional lodging is also available through our presenting sponsor, 360 Blue, at 360blue.com.
30A BBQ Festival would like to thank the additional businesses and individuals sponsoring this year’s event, including 30A, Barker Williams & Shoreline Title, Beard Equipment, Bracken Law, EZ-PZ Recycling, Fine Coastal Cuisine Professional Chef Services, Grand Boulevard, Hufham Farris, Panache Tent and Event, Royal Destinations, VIP 30A Magazine, and Visit South Walton.
