Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Smoked MeatFest is a family-friendly event. Kids are welcome and encouraged. Registration is now closed; children are welcome as part of an existing registered party.

Yes, free on-site parking is available. Please note that parking is self-service — there are no attendants or volunteers directing traffic. Arrive early for the best spots and park carefully. Approved guests can find directions in their guest portal.

Bring your appetite, a lawn chair (we have tables but your own chair is nice), a flannel or jacket (October in Virginia can get cool in the evening), sunscreen, and good energy. We handle the food, drinks, and vibes.

This is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) event. No alcohol is sold or provided by the organizers or property owners. You're welcome to bring your own drinks. If you choose to bring alcohol, please drink responsibly, arrange safe transportation home, and be mindful of other guests. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Non-alcoholic drinks and water will be available.

The event is rain or shine. We have covered areas and tents for dining. The smokers run regardless of weather. If extreme weather forces a cancellation, all registered guests will be notified by email and text.

Shirt and hat ordering is closed for 2026. Existing paid orders are unchanged and can be picked up at the event. Existing guests can find their guest link to view available order options.

Head to the merch tent when you arrive. Give them the name on your order and they'll hand over your gear. You'll receive an order confirmation email with a QR code to make pickup even faster. No shipping is available.

We'll have sides like mac & cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, and more that work for non-meat-eaters. If you have specific allergies or dietary needs, let us know in your existing guest portal and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Gates open at 4:00 PM and the food hits the tables right away. The party rolls until around 7pm or when the last rack is pulled. There's no hard cutoff — we wind down naturally. Check the full schedule for details.

Registration refunds are available up to 7 days before the event. Merch pre-orders can be refunded up to 14 days before the event since we order based on pre-sale counts. Contact us at our contact page for refund requests.

No dress code. Come as you are. Flannels are encouraged but not required. This is a BBQ, not a gala. Comfortable shoes are recommended since it's an outdoor event on grass and gravel.

Head to our Contact page and drop us a message. We typically respond within 24-48 hours. For day-of questions, look for staff in SMF crew shirts at the event.

Yes! Phantom Cable will be performing live during the event, which starts at 4:00 PM. The band's exact set time will be shared closer to the event. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram @phantomcable_.

We start smoking meat several days before the event. Low and slow is the only way we do it. Briskets, pork shoulders, and ribs go on days in advance so everything is perfectly tender and full of flavor by the time you arrive on October 17th.