Legendary Long Beach BBQ Festival

August 17-19, 2018

Rainbow Lagoon
Long Beach, CA
longbeachbbqfestival.com

By Chris MacDonald

SEE PHOTO GALLERY FROM EVENT!

The Long Beach BBQ Festival is bigger and better than ever. More than 10,000 happy guests are expected to wrap-up their "BBQ love-fest", having consumed more than 12,000 pounds of mouth-watering ribs and 2,000 pounds of BBQ--ranging from chicken and Tri Tip to pork and beef. Another favorite vendor here is The Kobbler King.

ATTRACTION: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is one of the nation's premier ocean aquariums. Don't stand in line and wait! Get your tickets here!

The incredible food fair, featuring award-winning BBQ teams from Texas, Georgia and elsewhere, caters to all ages at the family-friendly extravaganza created by the legendary master of special events, Roy Hassett of O Entertainment, whose staff goes to great lengths to ensure guests have a fantastic time.

Lines were noticeably shorter this year because of scanning barcodes on tickets for entrance and eating, said Ken McAlpine, O Entertainment spokesman. "People also were able to purchase their tickets online and there were more grills cooking at the same time," he said.

O Entertainment has gained a reputation for family-friendly festivals with competent, cheerful and caring employees, cooks and vendors. "I love working their events because there's such a fun atmosphere and everyone is so nice," said Artist Andi Schoenbaum of Oxnard, who really spread the joy with her spectacular, popular face-painting of kids and adults.

Electric Bass player B.J. Deculus of Bonne Musique Zydeco, one of the bands that brought further excitement, said he enjoys the "laid back crowd" at the gathering that loved dancing and listening to their exciting songs.

Cook Eric Smith of Barbecue Masters, Atlanta, Georgia, said he loves making his delicious ribs in Long Beach. "I first learned how to cook ribs in the Army, while stationed in Germany," he stated as he spread his magic sauce over the pork. "I work hard to exceed the expectations of our guests."

If you have a chance, grab your kids or parents and visit the festival today at Rainbow Lagoon Park, 350 Shoreline Drive. There's even a wonderful kid's zone with rides and jugglers as well as other entertainers.

O Entertainment produces a number of fabulous events, including the Crawfish Festival in Long Beach, where 10 tons of crawfish are consumed, and their famous Lobster Festival. Coming up in October is the Long Beach Zombie Festival at Rainbow Lagoon.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.