Get In the Know

What are the dates for the festival?

• Friday, September 6 (MASTER'S OF FIRE ONLY)
• Saturday, September 7
• Sunday, September 8

Where is the festival located?

Gateway Arch Park, St. Louis

Tickets are required to enter the Q BBQ Fest. Choose between a free GA Grounds Pass (pay-as-you-go) or a 4-hour all-you-can-eat/drink experience.

Kids are allowed inside the Q BBQ Fest grounds on Friday and Saturday. Thursday night's Masters of Fire event is 21+. 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 & Masters of Fire guests - Once you enter the festival grounds, all of your food and beverage 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 Friday and Saturday.

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 Laclede's Landing and the Eads Bridge. Lucas Ave 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!

What is a Pit Pass?

With a Pit Pass, you avoid the lines and can spend 2.5 hours alongside your favorite Pitmasters enjoying all you can eat BBQ, signature cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks in any one of our four Q Pit Lounges. There are also private restrooms for your convenience.

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

Yes, the Pit Passes are date-specific to make sure there is enough BBQ to go around and to ensure you have a comfortable and rewarding experience in our Q Pit Lounges. You can choose one of six sessions available throughout the weekend when you purchase your Pit Pass.

Are kids allowed in the Q Pit Lounges?

Yes, kids are allowed in the Q Pit Lounges. Kids 14 and under do not need a Pit Pass to enter; ages 15 and up require a VIP Pit Pass to enter the VIP areas.

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

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

VIP ticket holders can pickup the passes for their session starting 30 minutes prior to the start time of your 2.5 hour VIP session. The VIP check-in location will be shared with all guests prior to the event.

What food will the pitmasters be serving during the festival?

Please visit our Pitmasters page for menu items