Kellogg Arena will transform into backyard barbecue for third annual Que the Creek festival

Greyson Steele, Battle Creek Enquirer
·2 min read
John Capers, owner of Pop's "Family" Kitchen, slices beef brisket during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.
John Capers, owner of Pop's "Family" Kitchen, slices beef brisket during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.

BATTLE CREEK — Kellogg Arena will offer up a cure for the mid-winter blues on Saturday as it transforms into a full-blown backyard barbecue for the third annual Que the Creek BBQ Festival.

The family-friendly event will feature live music from Jessie Campbell Band and The Skeletones, yard games and craft drinks — not to mention a number of local food vendors competing against one another for the title of best barbecue in town.

Que the Creek runs 3-7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5 at the door or two for $7 in advance. Children 12 and younger receive free admission. The event is presented by Penetrator Events, the Battle Creek Small Business Development Office and Kellogg Arena.

Brenda Baldwin and her daughter Jaylee Baldwin of On the Roll prepare orders during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.
Brenda Baldwin and her daughter Jaylee Baldwin of On the Roll prepare orders during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.

“The event has grown over the last few years, along with our local barbecue scene,” John Hart, the city’s development director, said in a release. “The Battle Creek area has some amazing barbecue. Be sure to bring your friends to Battle Creek!”

Que the Creek will feature at least a dozen competitors this year — including two vegan vendors. Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite.

This year’s event also includes a BBQ grill giveaway. Entry tickets were sent in the city’s utility bills and published in the Community Connection Magazine. Attendees are encouraged to bring their ticket to Saturday's event for a chance to win.

Juliano Jean-Jules, owner of Island Style BBQ, serves barbecue dishes during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.
Juliano Jean-Jules, owner of Island Style BBQ, serves barbecue dishes during Que the Creek BBQ Festival at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.

“Que the Creek has been phenomenal, and has played a critical role in the launch of our brick and mortar restaurant,” Juliano and Daleth Jean-Jules of Island Style BBQ said in a release. They won the judge’s choice award for best start-up pit master in 2020, “which provided us with much-needed name recognition. We have participated every year since then and are delighted to be there this year."

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