4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival: California's Biggest BBQ Celebration Is Back

There’s a moment every pitmaster knows — when the smoke starts rising, the coals glow orange, and the smell of live fire drifts through the air — that something special is about to happen. This Memorial Day Weekend, that moment arrives at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach, California, and BBQ United couldn’t be more proud to shine a spotlight on it.

The 4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival is one of those events that reminds us exactly why we love this community. It’s not just about the food (though the food is extraordinary). It’s about the people, the craft, the culture, and the shared joy of gathering around fire. This is what BBQ United was built to celebrate, and this festival delivers it in full.

Mark Your Calendars: May 23–24, 2026

The 4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival takes place on May 23–24, 2026 — Memorial Day Weekend — at the stunning Rainbow Lagoon, 400 E Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA 90802. Gates open at 12 PM and run until 9 PM both days, with VIP early entry beginning at 11 AM.

This landmark event is the vision of Qiana and Ian Mafnas, the husband-and-wife team behind Axiom Productions, LLC — and it also marks the 4th anniversary of Axiom Kitchen, their celebrated culinary home base. What Qiana and Ian have built over these four years is nothing short of remarkable: a festival that has grown into the largest BBQ festival in California, produced in collaboration with Noah’s Arc Foundation, a nonprofit community partner whose mission adds real heart and purpose to the celebration.

Qiana puts it beautifully when she reflects on what this event represents: "the growth of our business and the broader evolution of barbecue culture in Southern California, where traditional smoking techniques increasingly intersect with modern culinary experimentation." That spirit — rooted in tradition, open to innovation — is exactly what you feel when you walk through the gates.

And for those who attended last year, Qiana wants you to know that the team listened. “Last year was a big learning experience for us. And we really took that to heart. This year, we’ve moved into a new park with a better footprint. We expanded the entrance. Added more vendors, so there are even more food options. And brought on more staff to support the flow. Overall, it’s going to be a much smoother and more elevated experience from the moment you walk in.”

That kind of accountability and commitment to the guest experience is exactly why this festival keeps growing — and why we keep showing up.

A Live Fire Experience Like No Other

If you’ve ever wanted to witness the art of live fire cooking at its most ambitious, this is your moment. The festival features the Live Fire Experience by Titus Smokers and Chef Jennifer Lowry, showcasing Long Beach’s first-ever whole steer cook on a custom cross rig. This is a rare, breathtaking display of technique, tradition, and passion — the kind of cook that stops you in your tracks and reminds you that BBQ is a living art form.

At the heart of it is Bobby Titus of Titus Smokers — a famed pitmaster who didn’t just show up with his gear, he custom-fabricated the cross rig specifically for this festival. That level of dedication and craftsmanship tells you everything you need to know about the caliber of people behind this event. Alongside him, Chef Jennifer Lowry brings her culinary expertise and creative vision to co-present what promises to be one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend.

Also taking center stage is pitmaster Logan Sandoval of ZEF BBQ, known to fans of Netflix’s BBQ Showdown. Logan brings serious craft and undeniable charisma to the pit, and seeing him work is a masterclass in what live fire cooking can be. The Live Fire Experience isn’t just a demonstration — it’s a celebration of the culture, the skill, and the deep roots that make BBQ so much more than a meal.

30+ Vendors, Endless Flavor

With 30+ vendors on site, the Long Beach BBQ Festival is a full-on flavor journey. Whether you’re a die-hard brisket devotee, a rib fanatic, or someone who loves exploring regional styles, there is something here for every palate.

The vendor lineup includes some of the most exciting names in the game: Axiom Kitchen, Dragon Fire BBQ, Califas BBQ, Texas Craft BBQ, White Oak Craft BBQ, Soul Feels Good Vegan BBQ, ZEF BBQ, Big Brian’s Meats, Cornerstone BBQ, and many, many more. The diversity of styles on display — from Texas-style smoked brisket to California-inspired BBQ to plant-based options — reflects the inclusive, big-tent spirit that makes this festival so special. There’s a seat at this table for everyone.

Drinks, Music & Good Vibes

Great BBQ deserves great drinks, and the Long Beach BBQ Festival delivers. ISM Brewing returns for their third year as the official craft beer partner, bringing a lineup of beers that pair beautifully with smoked meats and good company. Spirits are covered by The Wicked Wolf and The Traveling Bar Co., with whiskey tastings and a full bar rounding out the beverage experience.

A proud sponsor of the festival, The Good Charcoal Company brings their 100% sustainably harvested charcoal to the equation — a natural fit for an event built around the live fire ethos. When the fuel is this good, everything that comes off the pit tastes even better.

And the soundtrack? All day long, The Dove Shack — the legendary Long Beach crew behind the West Coast classic Summertime in the LBC — brings the music to the waterfront stage, keeping the energy high, the vibes warm, and the crowd moving from the first bite to the last sip. Live music, great food, cold drinks, and a waterfront setting: this is what a perfect weekend looks like.

Sweet Endings & Special Guests

Every great meal deserves a sweet finish, and Dr. Bombay Ice Cream is on hand to deliver. The Broadus family’s new iced treat brand — brought to life by Cordell Broadus, son of the legendary Snoop Dogg — is making a special appearance at the festival, and it’s the kind of sweet ending that feels perfectly at home in Long Beach. Cordell’s presence adds extra energy and excitement to an already electric atmosphere, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Broadus family to the pit.

These are the kinds of touches that elevate a great festival into an unforgettable one, and the team behind the Long Beach BBQ Festival clearly understands that every detail matters.

Family-Friendly Fun at the Waterfront

One of the things we love most about the Long Beach BBQ Festival is that it truly is an event for everyone. The beautiful waterfront setting at Rainbow Lagoon provides a stunning backdrop for a full day of family fun, with a dedicated kids area, lawn games, and live music all day long keeping guests of all ages entertained.

Bring the whole crew — grandparents, kids, friends, neighbors. This is a community celebration in the truest sense, and the waterfront setting makes it feel like a holiday in the best possible way. Long Beach knows how to throw a party, and this festival is proof.

VIP Experience

Want to take your festival experience to the next level? VIP tickets offer early entry at 11 AM — a full hour before general admission — giving you first access to vendors, the Live Fire Experience, and all the action before the crowds arrive. The VIP tasting experience is designed for those who want to savor every moment and every bite without rushing.

If you’re serious about BBQ (and we know you are), upgrading to VIP is absolutely worth it. Treat yourself — you’ve earned it.

The 4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival is exactly the kind of event that BBQ United exists to champion. It brings together world-class pitmasters, passionate vendors, incredible food, great drinks, live music, and a community that loves BBQ as much as we do — all in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Southern California.

We are proud to be part of a community that produces events like this, and we encourage every BBQ lover — whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or someone who just loves a great plate of smoked meat — to make the trip to Long Beach this Memorial Day Weekend. Bring your family, bring your friends, and come ready to eat, drink, and celebrate.

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite — grab yours today and be part of something truly special. We'll see you at the pit!