Hop N Hog Block Party & BBQ Competition
Program Details & Spotlights
Head to downtown Culpeper for the ultimate fall backyard party and BBQ feast. The Hop N Hog Block Party features a People's Choice BBQ Competition where you can sample delicious pitmaster smoked meats and vote for your favorite. Pair your barbecue with craft beer, Virginia wine, cider, and bourbon tastings while enjoying live music from opening act Smiling Politely and headliner Goodtime Alibi.
As the summer heat fades on Lake Anna, there is no better way for us lake locals to embrace the crisp autumn air than by taking a scenic drive up Route 522 to historic Downtown Culpeper. The Hop N Hog Block Party & BBQ Competition has become a legendary fall pilgrimage for anyone who appreciates the holy trinity of autumn weekends: slow-smoked meats, ice-cold local brews, and foot-stomping live music. The charming, brick-lined streets of Culpeper transform into a paradise for foodies, where the rich aroma of hickory and oak smoke fills the air, instantly letting you know you have arrived at the ultimate backyard party.
At the heart of the festival is the highly competitive People's Choice BBQ Competition. This isn't just a showcase for local pitmasters—it is an interactive feast where your palate holds the power. Armed with your tasting pass, you can sample mouthwatering brisket, tender pulled pork, and fall-off-the-bone ribs crafted by some of the region's most talented pitmasters. After tasting your way through the competition, you get to cast your vote and help crown the year's BBQ champion. It is a serious business for the competitors, but pure, delicious fun for the rest of us.
Of course, great barbecue demands equally great drinks. The event does not disappoint, offering a curated selection of Virginia’s finest liquid craftsmanship. From crisp local ciders and rich Virginia wines to robust bourbons and a stellar lineup of craft beers, there is a perfect pairing for every flavor profile. As you sip and savor, the main stage keeps the energy soaring. Local favorites Smiling Politely will kick off the day with their infectious opening set, warming up the crowd before headliners Goodtime Alibi take the stage to deliver a high-octane performance that will have everyone dancing in the streets.
Why You Should Attend
- You Are the Judge: Skip the spectator role and play active critic by sampling and voting in the People's Choice BBQ Competition.
- Incredible Craft Beverages: Enjoy a true taste of the region with unlimited access to premium Virginia craft beers, wines, ciders, and boutique bourbon tastings.
- Double Header Live Music: Soak up the autumn sun while listening to two incredible live bands setting the perfect soundtrack for a fall afternoon.
- The Perfect Day Trip: Located just a short, beautiful drive from the Lake Anna area, it’s the ultimate excuse to explore Culpeper's award-winning downtown.
Insider Tips
- Get There Early: The BBQ tasting portion is incredibly popular, and the most sought-after pits can run out of samples before the voting closes. Arrive right at noon!
- Bring Your Own Seating: While there is plenty of room to roam, seating near the main stage is limited. Toss a few lawn chairs or a picnic blanket in your trunk.
- Pace Yourself: With so many different pitmasters and drink vendors, treat this as a marathon, not a sprint. Take breaks between tastings to enjoy the live music.
- Make a Weekend of It: Culpeper’s Davis Street is famous for its boutiques and historic architecture. Plan to stay after 5:00 PM to grab a coffee or dessert at a local café before heading back to the lake.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
Entry-only tickets (Backyard Pass) are cheap, or you can purchase tasting passes like the Pitmaster Pass or premium Bourbon Boss Pass. Kids 13 and under are free. Free public parking is located in the municipal lots off Commerce and Davis streets.