Don’t Miss out on Live Music, Chili Competitions and a Queen Mary Tour for an Early Summer Extravaganza
Written By: Kandace Cornell
Photography By: Matthew Martinez, Courtesy of the Queen Mary Long Beach BBQ
If you’ve ever watched “The Great British Bake-Off” (who hasn’t?) and dreamed of an American version that’s full of chili, brisket and Southern barbecue instead of English pastries, then bring your appetite to Long Beach Harbor on May 11 from 12-5 p.m. for the Queen Mary’s Waterfront Cook-Off. For those in need of a little southern comfort—or an epic cheat day—get ready for a chock-full afternoon of foodie contests, lawn games, fun prizes and finger-lickin’ good eats.
Long Beach BBQ
1 | Is It Chili in Here?
Sanctioned by the International Chili Society (Yes, it’s a thing.), the official California State Championship Chili Cook-Off will be going down with 40 top chili teams (Yes, this is also a thing and we’re considering a career change.) serving up their spin on the classic American dish. In addition to sampling the variations of chili, brisket, sausages, ribs and other BBQ favorites, you can also chow down on funnel cakes, corn on the cob and other veggie options.
2 | Beer We Go Again
Several local breweries, including The Dudes’ Brewing Company, Bottle Logic Brewing, Liberation Brewing Company, Green Flash Brewing Company, Alpine Beer Company, will be repping their taps, and you can sample the suds to your heart’s content. For the liquor lovers, a full bar is ready and waiting with all the good stuff.
3 | So You Think You Can Eat?
Still hungry? Try your hand at one of the highly competitive eating contests. Professional eaters, get ready to plow through some serious pie to win that cash money, while those looking for lighter fare can work their way through the business end of a watermelon for the win.
4 | Game on
While you digest, work off those calories by joining a giant game of Connect 4, Horseshoes, Ladder Ball, Corn Hole or, if your stomach can handle it, take a spin on the mechanical bull. Two DJs will be onsite to spin the tunes and keep you grooving all afternoon.
5 | Long Live the Queen
After you’ve eaten all the food, take in some culture and stroll the docks of the majestic Queen Mary. Brush up on your history with a guided tour of the legendary ocean liner, stop into the ship’s museum or just perch up on the bow and snap an Insta-Story of yourself shouting, “I’m the Queen of the World!”
General Admission Tickets: $35 includes: event entry and five tastings from SoCal’s TOP barbeque pitmasters and chili connoisseurs.
VIP Tickets: $75 includes: 1 hour early admission to the event, (10) tastings from SoCal’s TOP barbecue pitmasters and chili connoisseurs, (2) alcoholic beverages and access to the VIP-only areas!
Queen Mary’s Waterfront Cook-Off
1126 Queens Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90802
877.342.0742
