Question 1

What is Holy Smokes?

Accepted Answer

Holy Smokes is a BBQ festival bringing national leaders of the barbecue community together in North Charleston, SC. The festival is paying homage to the history, culture, and traditions of American barbecue while raising awareness and funds for families affected by pediatric brain cancer through donations to Hogs for the Cause.

Question 2

How do I buy tickets?

Accepted Answer

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when tickets go on sale!
Tickets will be available to purchase on the festival day, however, we encourage guests to get their tickets in advance as there is a possibility tickets will sell out before November 14th.

Question 3

Where should I stay?

Accepted Answer

We recommend staying at some of our partner hotels in the area!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Charleston Airport
3025 W. Montague Ave. | North Charleston, SC 29418
Click here to book now! (https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/north-charleston/chscc/hoteldetail)
Front Desk: 843-554-2100, Ext. 3
Sales Office: 843-207-2241

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel North Charleston - Convention Center
5264 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29418
Click here to book now! (https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chscodt-doubletree-north-charleston-convention-center/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-DT-CHSCODT&y_source=1_Mjg1Njc1MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D)
Front Desk: 843-576-1217

Question 4

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

GA
For General Admission ticket-holders, parking is first-come, first-serve in the nearby lots around Riverfront Park.  Look for on-site signage and our parking attendants!

Due to ongoing construction, you will receive final details the evening before the event to ensure it is the most up-to-date. Ride sharing is highly advised.

A dedicated Uber/Lyft Drop-Off Point will be available on-site as well as ADA parking.

VIP 
VIP ticket-holders will receive one VIP Parking Pass per order.  VIP Parking will be in a dedicated lot with an attendant closest to the venue. You will receive your VIP Parking Passes in an email the evening before the event.

A dedicated Uber/Lyft Drop-Off Point will be available on-site as well as ADA parking.

Question 5

Where is the entrance to the festival?

Accepted Answer

Holy Smokes takes place at Riverfront Park in North Charleston located at 1061 Everglades Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405.

Upon arrival to the park, follow signage to find the main entrance. 2025 festival map attached below for reference!

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0d6ff5_f57791aeb53e497a98066fa7d76cf8df~mv2.png

Question 6

What are your bag and security policies?

Accepted Answer

Small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" in size are allowed. Clear bags of any size are also allowed.

Diaper bags and strollers are acceptable. All bags will be subject to search at our discretion.

Please note that outside food/beverage, weapons or firearms will not be allowed on-site.

Question 7

What time does the festival open and when can I park?

Accepted Answer

The festival hours are from 11am-4pm on November 14th. VIP's and Sponsors can enter the event with early access at 10:30am.

Parking lots will open at the following times:
VIP's and Sponsor Parking Lot: 9:30am
ADA Parking: 9:30am
General Admission Parking Lot: 10:00am

Question 8

Can I bring chairs or blankets?

Accepted Answer

Lawn chairs, camping chairs, and picnic blankets are allowed for use in the designated area by the stage. All items will be subject to search.

Question 9

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not permitted at the event, with the only exception being service animals.

Question 10

How does the festival work?

Accepted Answer

Over 50 pitmasters and chefs from across the country will gather to create a range of incredible barbecue food.

A General Admission ticket to the Holy Smokes festival gives you all-you-can-eat access to four barbecue villages (Traditional, Texas, New School and Coastal) and entertainment. Beverages will be available for purchase.

VIP Tickets are all-inclusive of food, entertainment and beverages.

Question 11

Who are the benefactors of the Holy Smoke BBQ Festival?

Accepted Answer

Proceeds from this year's Holy Smokes BBQ Festival will go to Hogs for the Cause and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston.

Hogs for the Cause is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports families battling pediatric brain cancer and offers grants directly to families to help alleviate some of the emotional and financial strain associated with treating pediatric brain cancer.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston (RMHC), which is located across the street from MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, is a “home-away-from-home” where families can stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment.

Question 12

What is Hogs for the Cause?

Accepted Answer

The mission of Hogs for the Cause is to provide assistance to families with children battling brain cancer by engaging the community through barbecue culture. In 12 years, Hogs for the Cause has grown from one pig helping one family to one of the most highly acclaimed barbecue and music festivals in the country with over 30K people in attendance. The funds from the two-day music and barbecue festival allow the organization to help thousands of families through direct grants and funding programming at children’s hospitals across the United States. Hogs has expanded its impact and is providing fundraising opportunities throughout the US. They work with hospitals nationwide to create partnerships, funds and housing to mitigate financial burdens for all pediatric cancer diagnoses.

Question 13

Can I donate to support the cause?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Click here (https://www.convergepay.com/hosted-payments?ssl_txn_auth_token=n1gKvTUTTx6KECxOFJWzywAAAZnEE8Nq)to donate online or mail checks to:
 
Rock The Block
1567 Meeting St
Charleston, SC 29405
Memo: Holy Smokes

Question 14

How can I sponsor the event?

Accepted Answer

You can check out our available sponsorship opportunities here!(https://www.holysmokeschs.com/partners)

Question 15

Is my ticket refundable?

Accepted Answer

Festival tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, your ticket can be transferred to another party. If you need assistance transferring your ticket, please reach out to info@holysmokeschs.com. (info@holysmokeschs.com.)Please note: the event will take place rain or shine.

Question 16

What should I wear to Holy Smokes?

Accepted Answer

Dress casually and comfortably as you are a part of the barbecue community! The event will be held outdoors at Riverfront Park in North Charleston.

Question 17

Will there be photography and videography at the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We will have photographers and videographers at the event taking photos and videos for social media and marketing purposes.

By purchasing this ticket and attending Holy Smokes, you and any guests acknowledge that photography and videography will be taken at the event and consent to any and all use for social media and marketing purposes.

Question 18

Is this a barbecue competition?

Accepted Answer

The festival is not a competition, but instead a chance for attendees to sample an incredible range of barbecue styles from over 50 renowned pitmasters and chefs.

Question 19

Is there overnight parking?

Accepted Answer

There is no overnight camping or RV parking available.

Frequently asked questions