ref=”https://thinktasty1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/MS_BBQ_fest_logo.png”>As you are enjoying the last day of this three-day weekend, you probably aren’t beginning to consider what to do with next weekend yet.  However, if you live anywhere in the Northeast and enjoy food, music, and fun, you might want to clear your calendar.  (Those of you who live outside the Northeast, feel free to clear your calendars also, it just will require some travel.)

Next weekend Mohegan Sun, located in southeastern Connecticut, will be hosting its first annual Sun BBQ Fest.  This three-day extravaganza will feature some of the best barbecue in the US, along with a multitude of entertainment.  Enjoy live music or a cooking demonstration.  Take a turn on the mechanical bull or root for your favorite contender in the rib eating contest.  You’re sure to be entertained and well fed.

The excitement kicks off this Friday, June 1st, and continues through Sunday.  For thirty dollars, you receive one-day admission to this event, which includes eight food tickets.  With these tickets you will have a variety of food options, including (but not limited to) samples of ribs entered in the cook off, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, or hot dogs and hamburgers from Johnny Rockets.

The aforementioned rib cook off will feature six different vendors, all renowned for their rib plates.  The group includes:

• Big Boned BBQ (Charleston, SC)

• Chicago BBQ Company (Chicago, IL)

• Joey’s Texas Thunder BBQ (Amarillo, TX)

• Uncle Bub’s BBQ (Westmont, IL)

• Texas Pit BBQ (Conroe, TX)

• Porky Chicks BBQ

Throughout the weekend, guests will be able to sample ribs from the different vendors (at a cost of three tickets per plate).  Each guest can vote once per email address.  On Sunday at 5:00 the people’s choice winner will be announced.

There really are too many events to mention, but I’ll share a few more highlights to pique your interest.  Among the bands performing this weekend will be Sugar and Mammoth Jack.  Specialty food vendors include Keifer’s Kettle Korn and Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe.  Of course, what would an event like this be without a star emcee?  Most appropriately, Mike Petit of NESN’s Grillseekers will be handling this duty.

So, take a peek at your calendar, and find a way to carve a few hours (or days) out of it to attend this tasty event!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit their website.