Barbecue enthusiasts will gather at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin on Friday, November 7, for the return of the 30A BBQ Festival, an annual event that raises funds for The Sonder Project’s humanitarian work in Africa.
- The festival will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the North Lawn and feature unlimited barbecue samples from more than a dozen regional and local restaurants competing for the title of “Best BBQ.”
Confirmed competitors include 3 Sons BBQ, Auston’s Oyster Bar and Grill, Back Beach Barbecue, Cajun Corner, Cinders and Salt, Evie Mae’s Barbecue, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Moe’s Original BBQ, Sons of Amvets Post 29, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KÜ’s BBKÜ, The Village Door and Vin’tij Food and Wine.
Attendees will vote for first, second and third place winners, while a panel of judges will select the “Judge’s Choice” and “Most Creative” winners.
“Every year the competition gets more delicious, so we can’t wait to taste what this year’s vendors have on their grills,” said Chad Zibelman, CEO of The Sonder Project.
- General admission tickets cost $60 and include unlimited barbecue samples plus complimentary beer from Grayton Beer Company and wine from 30A at the Heritage 850 Plumbing and Gas Bar.
VIP tickets are $125 and include those benefits plus access to a private lounge with a full bar, additional seating near the stage, a photo booth and dessert from Kilwins Sandestin and Sweet Henrietta’s.
Musician River Dan will headline the event for the second consecutive year, and Jake’s Beach Service will provide seating. A silent auction will feature vacation stays, gift cards, gift baskets and jewelry, with all proceeds benefiting The Sonder Project. Local artist Lindsay Tobias of Art by Doman will create a live painting during the event that will be auctioned.
The 2025 festival coincides with The Sonder Project’s 10th anniversary. The organization was founded in 2015 in Santa Rosa Beach.
- “2025 marks our 10-year anniversary, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our 30A family — right where it all began,” Zibelman said.
Since its founding, The Sonder Project has drilled 68 wells providing clean water to more than 65,000 people in Africa, sponsored 394 students to attend school over 791 cumulative school years, distributed textbooks to more than 1,500 students and maintains a community farm providing economic opportunity and food security for more than 1,000 people.
Last year’s festival raised $103,228 for the organization. The goal for 2025 is $125,000.
Local vendors at the festival will include 30A Company, Action Audio Visual, Dozer Custom Trucker Hats, Bad Cards for Good Golfers and Shore Thing Cigars. A photo booth will be sponsored by Blankenship Watkins Advisory Group – Christie’s International Real Estate.
- Additional sponsors include 30A, Barker Williams & Shoreline Title, Beard Equipment, Bracken Law, David Scott Lee Buick GMC, EZ-PZ Recycling, Fine Coastal Cuisine Professional Chef Services, Grand Boulevard, Hufham Farris, Panache Tent and Event, Royal Destinations, VIP 30A Magazine and Visit South Walton.
Tickets are available here.
