Better Winnipeg: BBQ and Blues brings a festival of food and music to the city

WINNIPEG — Blues music, a BBQ competition and a building more than a century old as the backdrop.

Combined, the ingredients create a recipe for a one-of-a-kind street festival in Winnipeg.

The BBQ & Blues Festival has added a second outdoor stage in its fifth year, now featuring more blues musicians and giving visitors a chance to hear from some of the competitors in the ‘Pit Master Championship BBQ Competition’.

“Not every festival has a 108 year old historic theatre as its anchor, and not every theatre has the ability to spill onto the street and engage a city and engage the downtown,” said Kevin Donnelly from True North Sports and Entertainment.

The festival moved to Smith Street last year – it’s third location since 2012. Organizers think they’ve found the perfect fit in the downtown area next to the Burton Cummings Theatre.

READ MORE: The Winnipeg BBQ and Blues Festival is back with a smoke’n hot lineup

“We think it’s got natural appeal. BBQ, mmm good. Blues, mmmm good,” Donnelly said. “Street parties in Winnipeg in the summer sounds good too and anything in the Burt we think has a special appeal to it.”

Local musician Patrick Alexandre is one of 16 acts performing at the festival. It’s his first time bringing his blues sound to the festival.

"Blues is a genre you have to be honest with, otherwise it's really not blues anymore," said Alexandre.

“You get a real human factor.”

Some of the performers include: The New Meanies, Big Dave McLean, Righteous Ike, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar and headliners; Creedence Clearwater Revisited playing inside the Burton Cummings Theatre Friday night. The Voice Season 10 finalist, Laith Al-Saadi takes to the stage Saturday. You can check out a complete lineup of the acts online.

Throughout the two days, 25 teams will be camped out onsite fighting for top honours in the ‘Pit Master’ competition. The prize is $10,000.

The Winnipeg BBQ & Blues Festival kicks off Friday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. and runs until Saturday night.

The tickets are available online.

Better Winnipeg is a weekly feature that focusses on people and events that make Winnipeg a great place to live. Send your story ideas to betterwinnipeg@globalnews.ca