BBQ & Blues

BBQ & Blues at the N.C. Music Factory Oct. 12-13 is sanctioned by the Memphis Barbecue Network, which means the grand champion gets a spot to represent the Southeast at the Memphis in May Championship. (That's "Hamilton," the mascot pig, at left.)

That's the competition side.

You don't get to eat that. But you can get food, including barbecue, at the festival, for which admission is free (parking before 7 p.m. at the Music Factory is $5). The event runs 5-11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. Slated to be on hand: Mac's Speed Shop, Sauceman's, Dan the Pig Man, Big Bob Gibson's and more. Not all vendors accept debit or credit cards, but there will be ATMs on site.

Hamilton’s Hangout (in Reelworks Studios at the Factory) is presented by Charlotte restaurant City Smoke, which will be giving 'cue samples, and for $10, you'll be able to get five Brewfest beer samples from N.C. craft breweries.

Also planned: Zach Goodyear of Charlotte's Sauceman's, Debbie Holt of Clyde Cooper's in Raleigh and Sam Jones of Skylight Inn in Ayden will be filmed Saturday for "BBQ Pitmasters" on Destination America. The three will be competing in front of judges for an episode slated to air in November.

1000 N.C. Music Factory Blvd. Info: www.charlottebbqandblues.com/