The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce proudly invites BBQ and Blues enthusiasts to drive-in or fly-in to the 14^th Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival right in downtown Zephyrhills, Florida, on February 10, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

The fun begins with the Kidz Grillin’ Competition, which is a big part of the festivities. Starting at 9 a.m., the kids set up, select their meat, cook it, and serve it to the judges, and awards are announced at noon! Through community donations and sponsorships from Sonny’s BBQ, Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC, Publix, Home Depot, SunState Bank, and Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills, the first 25 youth who register can compete for free while being mentored by local Pit Masters.

The Kidz Grillin’ Competition is limited to 30 kids, ages 5-15. The cost to enter is $30. To apply for your future pitmaster to compete in the Kidz Grillin’ Competition, click here. Fill out the form and get it to the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, 38550 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, FL 33542, or email it to marketing@zephyrhillschamber.org.

BBQ Vendors offer Pigz in Z’Hills Patrons some Smokin’ Delicious Options

In past years, Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival featured statewide barbecue competitions, but for 2024 professional barbecue vendors will provide mouth-watering options for festivalgoers!

Admission is free and there is some free parking and some paid parking. Bring a chair or blanket for your comfort while you watch the live blues bands. Bring cash to get some of that fine barbecue and other delicious festival foods!

There will be a business expo to help you get to know some of the local and regional merchants and vendors. The popular cornhole tournament returns, but for me…

Blues Music at Pigz in Z’hills to Make your Heart Sing and your Feet Move

The live blues music at the 2024 Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival will be starting at 11 a.m. with Ed Wright. At 12:45, check out the David Julia Band, 2:30 begins the Backtrack Blues Band, and the final act is Berry Oakley and Friends featuring Mike Kach and RJ Howson, starting at 4:15 p.m.

Bring your lawn chair to relax while you enjoy first-class blues music throughout the event. With the downtown venue of the Clock Plaza and the festivities running on Fifth Avenue, this promises to be a great time.

Visit the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History on Saturday, February 10

In the early 1940s, hundreds of Army fighter pilots came to Zephyrhills to hone their skills at the newly built Zephyrhills Army Airfield before going to war.

After World War II, the airport was donated to the city. The barracks where the pilots lived have all been demolished, with the infirmary building being the only survivor. From 1997 to 2001, state and city grants allowed for the restoration and preservation of this building. The museum holds treasured memories of the World War II veterans who lived and trained in Zephyrhills and others who served in this and other wars.

Participants are encouraged to take a tour of the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History, conveniently located at 39444 South Avenue, just down the street from downtown!

Cornhole Competitions with Two Divisions

With the move to downtown, you will find Cornhole behind the Zephyrhills Brewing Company this year! Bring your chair and enjoy the day – whether that is the music or watching cornhole! What can be better than music, beer, & great friends?

This will be a fun amateur event for festivalgoers!

The ‘Well-Seasoned Division’ is designed for more skilled competitors. Entry is $40 per team with cash prizes as well as 1st, 2nd & 3rd place trophies.

The ‘Still-Marinating Division’ is available for recreational competitors and costs only $20 to enter per team. Prizes include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies.

Kidz Zone and Additional Festival Activities are Part of the Fun

In addition to the barbecue at Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival, great vendors, and live blues music, the Kidz Zone will entertain with face painting, arts & crafts, and games provided by the Suncoast Credit Union and the East Pasco Family YMCA.

There will be a Hog Calling Contest and a Wing Eating Contest for festivalgoers. Be sure to check at the gate for how to enter, or contact the Chamber by calling (813) 782-1913 before the event.

Pigz in Z’Hills proceeds Benefit local Students and Nonprofit Organizations

Since its inception, BBQ & Blues has helped The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce to provide approximately $40,000 in scholarships to Zephyrhills area students and give back over $100K to our community partners.

NatureCoaster.com is proud to be a sponsor of this community event and we hope you will come out and see us there.

Since 2010, BBQ & Blues has pulled more than 3 million dollars into the Zephyrhills area. Last year, the festival brought an estimated economic impact of $500,000 to the local economy.

Students aren’t the only ones benefitting from Pigz in Z’Hills. Many local 501(c)3 youth groups and charities that dedicate time and talent to make this a successful event are awarded donations raised from the event. Its success has allowed the Chamber to “Pay it Forward” with donations to scholarships, youth leadership programs, and children’s charities every year since its beginning.

BBQ & Blues engages over 200 dedicated volunteers every year. The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has awarded more than $68,000 in donations to local 501(c)3 youth groups and charities that commit time and talent to create this successful event.

For more information visit www.ZephyrhillsChamber.org, call (813) 782-1913, or visit Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Facebook Page.

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival 2024 at a Glance

• When: February 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: Downtown 5th Avenue, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
• What: BBQ Vendors, Kidz Grillin’ Competition, Wing eating Contest, Cornhole Tournaments, Live blues concerts featuring Ed Wright, the David Julia Band, the Backtrack Blues Band, and headliner, Berry Oakley and Friends featuring Mike Kach and RJ Howson, Hog calling contest, a Business Expo, and tours of the WWII Military Museum. Vendors onsite.
• Cost: Free to attend. Various activities have costs associated. Some parking is free and some is paid. Here is a map of parking options.
• What to Bring: Lawn chairs for the blues concert. Money to buy food and drink.
• What not to Bring: Coolers and pets.