Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content
Travel and Outdoors

Hit the road for a smokin’ good time

October 2, 2025 • 
Germaine Foo
Sponsored by
A GIF of attendees at the Holy Smokes BBQ Festival.

Taste your way through four barbecue villages featuring Texas, Traditional, New School, and Coastal styles.

Photos by Jonathan Boncek

Pack your appetite, Charlotte — it’s time to hit the road for all-you-can-eat barbecue + live music.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, head to Charleston’s Riverfront Park for the 5th annual Holy Smokes BBQ Festival. This event will feature 50+ of the nation’s top pitmasters and chefs serving up world-class barbecue (think: whole hog, pork, beef ribs, Texas-style brisket, Lowcountry seafood, and more).

Tickets are selling fast — don’t let yours go up in smoke.

Snag tix

More from CLTtoday
A platter with mac and cheese, toast, half a chicken, sausages, pickles, baked beans, and pulled pork.
Food
The Pig Pickin’ plates Carolina barbecue front and center
The upcoming event hosted by Mac’s Speedshop and the Carolina BBQ Festival will showcase four of Charlotte’s pitmasters and barbecue before the main event next spring.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
CLTtoday_The Fitness Factory_Oct 2025
Wellness
Go inside Charlotte’s largest privately-owned gym
With 40,000+ sqft of equipment and 24/7 access, this NoDa gym has become a community hub for anyone chasing their fitness goals.
October 2, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
CLTtoday_Troodie_Sept 2025
Business
New app connects food lovers with social content in Charlotte
Troodie, a new social app built to connect foodies, content creators, and restaurants, just launched in the Queen City.
September 30, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
CLTtoday_ADU_Sept 2025
Real Estate
City of Charlotte launches new ADU program
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about adding an accessory dwelling unit — also known as an ADU — to your property.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
A group of people sitting in an open field next to a warehouse with an inflatable film screen set up.
Events
Tune into these Halloween-themed movie series across Charlotte
Grab your crew or make it a solo date to screen flicks from horror to animation at these local movie nights.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
A hand holding a waffle cone with two scoops of ice cream in front of a storefront.
Food
New and coming-soon restaurants in Charlotte
Dining in Charlotte is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way. From a classic hamburger to fine dining, bookmark this page to keep in the know about all the new restaurants coming to town.
September 26, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
An aerial vantage of a car driving along a forested road surrounded by trees with colored leaves.
Travel and Outdoors
When to expect peak fall foliage around Charlotte
October is going to be a colorful month in the Charlotte area, and there are plenty of places to look at the leaves before they fall.
September 25, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
CLTtoday_Inizio Pumpkin pizza_Sept 2025
Food
A taste of fall: Check out these autumn flavors across the Queen City
Fall is in the air, and many Charlotte businesses are celebrating with dishes, pastries, and drinks perfect for cozy season.
September 23, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
CLTtoday_South Mountain State Park_Sept 2025
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the road: supporting our mountain communities after Hurricane Helene
As you hit the road to the mountains this fall and winter, things may look a little different. While many areas in WNC and Virginia are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, there are plenty of businesses ready to welcome you back.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Crowds gather for an outdoor concert to see performers on a stage during the Cheerwine Festival.
Play
Charlotte’s upcoming music, food, and arts festivals
Make the most of summer with Charlotte’s lineup of festivals, including national acts, local acts, fine arts, craft beer, longbow competitions, and celebrations of art in the Queen City.
September 19, 2025
 · 
Dayten Rose