Help decide who has the best barbecue in Battle Creek during the Que the Creek BBQ Festival

Mike Jackson of One Nation slices beef brisket for dishes during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.
Mike Jackson of One Nation slices beef brisket for dishes during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

BATTLE CREEK — Kellogg Arena is transforming into a full-blown backyard barbecue this weekend.

The fourth annual Que the Creek BBQ Festival will run from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday with live music, yard games and craft drinks — not to mention 17 local food vendors vying for the title of best barbecue in town.

Tickets are $5 both online and at the door; children 12 and younger receive free admission. The event is presented by Penetrator Events, the Battle Creek Small Business Development Office and Kellogg Arena.

"This mouthwatering extravaganza promises to be a feast for your senses, bringing together BBQ enthusiasts, vendors, and a whole lot of flavor," organizers said in a Facebook post. "From smoky ribs to succulent pulled pork, there's something to satisfy every BBQ craving."

Battle Creek residents Chris and Pat Huot enjoy barbecue samplings during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.
Battle Creek residents Chris and Pat Huot enjoy barbecue samplings during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

Attendees will be part of the excitement as they are encouraged to vote for their favorites Saturday, with votes helping decide who will be crowned the 2024 barbecue champion.

This year’s event also includes a barbecue grill giveaway. The first 500 attendees through the door, advance ticket holders, and those with water bill and/or coupons will automatically be entered to win.

For more information, visit the Que the Creek BBQ Festival event page on Facebook. For tickets, visit kelloggarena.com.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreeknquirer.com.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Que the Creek barbecue competition returns to Kellogg Arena Saturday