Attending the Fest
Everything you need to know before you go — parking, what to bring, where to eat, and how the weekend works.
A Foodraiser for Our Community
Admission to Good Smoke BBQ Fest is completely FREE. In place of a ticket, we kindly ask that each attendee bring at least one food item per person— every donation goes directly to the East Rochester Community Resource Center, helping feed families right here in our town.
East Rochester Community Resource Center, Inc.
The East Rochester Community Resource Center serves as a vital lifeline for local families in need, providing access to food, essential resources, and community support. Your donation helps stock their shelves and ensures no neighbor goes hungry.
Address
333 East Chestnut Street
East Rochester, NY 14445
Phone
585-586-0525Suggested Donations
- •Non-perishable canned goods
- •Pasta, rice, and dry goods
- •Peanut butter & jelly
- •Cereal & breakfast items
- •Baby food & formula
- •Personal care items
Please read: the BBQ competition is not a tasting event
This is the part that surprises people most, so we want to be upfront about it. The barbecue our competition teams cook is for the certified judges only and cannot be sampled, shared, or sold to the public. That is not our rule — it is a Health Department regulation. Competition meat is cooked in a private, non-inspected environment, so by law it can only go to the judging table.
Teams are also not permitted to hand out samples if you ask, so please don't put them in an awkward spot — a single violation can disqualify them. You are absolutely welcome to walk the competitors' area, talk shop, check out the rigs, and watch the cooking happen. Then head to one of our three barbecue vendors when you are hungry.
Parking
The Techniplex
300 E Main St, East Rochester, NY 14445
Park in the large lot at the Techniplex — the former mall building on East Main Street — and walk over to the festival grounds. It is a short, flat walk on sidewalks the whole way. Follow signs and staff directions when you arrive.
- Short walk to the festival entrance
- Accessible spaces available — ask an attendant
- Street parking downtown is very limited, and please do not block residents' driveways or business lots
Food & Drink
Eat and drink on site
We have three exciting barbecue vendors serving all weekend, and Good Smoke BBQ is one of them — our restaurant is open with the full menu, including award-winning barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, drinks, and a full bar.
This is where to get your barbecue fix — all three vendors are fully licensed and inspected, so unlike the competition teams, they can absolutely feed you.
See our food vendorsWhy we ask you to leave the cooler at home
Admission is free, and it stays that way because our vendors, sponsors, and Good Smoke BBQ carry the cost of putting this weekend on. Every plate and drink you buy on site is what keeps the fest free, pays the bands, and funds the food pantry donations at the heart of the event.
So please leave outside food, drinks, alcohol, and coolers at home and support the folks who showed up to feed you. Small personal bottles of water are totally fine — stay hydrated.
What to Bring — and What to Leave Home
Allowed
- Folding chairs and camp chairs (seating areas farther back from the stage)
- Small personal bottles of water
- Small purses, diaper bags, and medical bags
- Strollers and wagons for kids
- Cash and cards — most vendors take both
- Sunscreen, hats, and rain jackets
Not allowed
- Outside food of any kind
- Outside alcohol or beverages
- Coolers of any size
- Backpacks and large bags
- Pets (certified service animals are welcome)
- Weapons, fireworks, and drones
Bringing a chair
Chairs are welcome, but they are limited to the seating areas farther back from the stage. The space directly in front of the stage stays standing-room only so everyone gets a view and walkways stay clear. Staff will point you to the chair-friendly zones.
Security screening
All attendees and their bags are subject to search by security at entry and anywhere on the grounds. Traveling light gets you in faster and keeps the weekend safe and family-friendly for everybody.
Restrooms
Indoor restrooms are available in the Eyer Building, with additional portable restrooms placed around the festival grounds. Accessible options are available in the Eyer Building.
Live music both days
Music runs all weekend and it is all free, headlined by Joe Samba on Saturday night. Reggae, country, soul, and more across both days.
See the LineupGood to Know
Rain or shine
The fest runs in all weather. Only severe weather that threatens safety would pause things — watch our social channels for day-of updates.
Family friendly
All ages welcome, and admission is always free. Strollers and wagons are fine — just keep walkways and emergency lanes clear.
Service animals only
For food-safety and crowd reasons, pets have to stay home. Certified service animals are always welcome.
Accessibility
The festival footprint is flat and paved. Accessible parking is available at the Techniplex, and accessible restrooms are in the Eyer Building.
Come hungry, help fill a pantry
Admission is free, the music is free, and every bite you buy helps fight food insecurity right here in our community. Still have a question about your visit? Ask us anything.