BBQ, Blues & Brews Hits Coos Bay Area Again, a South Oregon Coast Highlight for 12 Years

Published 05/09/25 at 5:45 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(North Bend, Oregon) – Once again the rich aromas of barbecue and the raw strains of the blues will be wafting through the south Oregon coast. The highly anticipated BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay will take place May 24-25 at The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park in North Bend, Oregon, bringing together fans of food and tunes – along with craft beer enthusiasts. Now in its 12th year, the festival has become a staple along the shores of Coos Bay, featuring award-winning grub and drink.

This year’s lineup includes performances from Blue Tide Blues Band and Inner Limits, bringing a mix of electrifying blues to accompany the smoky aroma of competition-level barbecue. Attendees can look forward to a variety of top-tier grill masters vying for the title of Grand Champion in a sanctioned Kansas City Barbecue Society contest.

One of the most exciting additions to this year’s festivities is the People’s Choice Awards for Mac N Cheese and Oysters, giving guests a chance to cast their votes for the best in these new competitive categories. Fans of barbecue royalty will also be thrilled to see Big Moe Cason, celebrated pitmaster and host of National Geographic World of Flavor, who will be making an appearance for meet and greets, cookbook signings, and more.

“In 2012, our first year, we struggled to meet the minimum 15 team requirement to qualify to be a KCBS sanctioned event,” the casino told Oregon Coast Beach Connection. “Teams came from throughout the Pacific Northwest with most residing in Oregon and Southern Washington. Over the years, we’ve had teams come from as far as Canada, Texas, Idaho and more. KCBS sends two of their reps to each competition to ensure the cooks follow all rules and regulations and to oversee the judging process.”

The beer garden, which has grown exponentially over the years, has switched gears a bit. There are now three beer stations, and at each one guests will be able to buy a commemorative cup. .

Event Details / Admission

Visitors can enter the event for a $5 daily fee and purchase BBQ samples from participating vendors, with full meals available at The Mill Grab N Go. The festival also offers commemorative logoed pint cups for purchase, priced at $10 (cup only) or $18 with a 16 oz beer pour. Individual full-size pours are available for $9, while 5 oz sample pours are $4. Wine selections will also be available for purchase.

Guests are encouraged to check out the music tent throughout both days to enjoy live blues performances while savoring barbecue and craft brews.

For more details and a full entertainment schedule, visit The Mill Casino • Hotel’s website.

New in 2025: Cornhole Tournament

The Coquille Community Cornhole League and The Mill Casino present “Cornhole for a Cause,” a fundraising event during BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay to support Camp Millennium, a nonprofit organization providing summer camps for children affected by cancer.

On Saturday, May 24, team play will follow a double-elimination format with two round-robin rounds to set up the bracket, guaranteeing at least four games per team. Entry is $25 per person or $50 per team.

Sunday, May 25, will feature singles play, also double elimination with two round-robin rounds. Entry is $25 per person.

Courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

Awards and prizes will be given for first, second, and third place in each tournament. All proceeds will benefit Camp Millennium.

Schedule of Events

12th Annual BBQ, Blues & Brews
Saturday and Sunday, May 24–25, 2025

Saturday

12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. – Vendors, live entertainment, craft brews, and barbecue samples from competitors. People's Choice: Mac and Cheese
12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. – DJ in the music tent
12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. – Live entertainment featuring Inner Limits
2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. – DJ in the music tent
3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. – Live entertainment featuring Blue Tide Blues Band
5:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. – DJ in the music tent
New this year: People's Choice: Mac and Cheese

Sunday

12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. – Vendors, live entertainment, craft brews, barbecue samples, and People's Choice: Oysters
12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. – Live entertainment featuring Blue Tide Blues Band
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. – Live entertainment featuring Inner Limits
4:15 p.m. – Awards ceremony with $15,000 in prize money for KCBS barbecue competitors and People's Choice winners
New this year: People's Choice: Oysters

All samples available at the festival are while supplies last

New in 2025: Cornhole Tournament

The Coquille Community Cornhole League and The Mill Casino present “Cornhole for a Cause,” a fundraising event during BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay to support Camp Millennium, a nonprofit organization providing summer camps for children affected by cancer.

On Saturday, May 24, team play will follow a double-elimination format with two round-robin rounds to set up the bracket, guaranteeing at least four games per team. Entry is $25 per person or $50 per team.

Sunday, May 25, will feature singles play, also double elimination with two round-robin rounds. Entry is $25 per person.

Awards and prizes will be given for first, second, and third place in each tournament. All proceeds will benefit Camp Millennium.

Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

 

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

US Coast Guard Suspends Search Along Washington Coast for Missing Man
Captain of the Captain Raleigh disappeared when the ship sank. Beach safety

Lincoln City Oregon Coast Weather, Alerts, Current Conditions, Cams, Forecast...
Wave height, buoy cam, wind station, data from buoys and ships nearby

Frost Advisory Tonight for Oregon, Areas Near Coast, Then Sunny Weekend in 70s
Temps near freezing tonight, then weekend soars into 60s on beach, 70s inland. Weather

Washington Coast Begins Week of Clam Digs, April 12 Through 18
Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks and Copalis at different times. Washington coast events

Washington Coast Cleanup on April 19 - Coinciding with Oregon Coast's SOLVE E...
From the Puget Sound to Long Beach, alongside Oregon's cleanup. Washington coast events, Seaside events

Upcoming S. Oregon Coast Events Include Gem Show, History: Coos Bay, Bandon
May 6 talk at Coos History Museum, Mayfly Fest May 17, Bandon Rock / Gem Show June 7,8

Rockaway Beach Oregon Coast Weather, Alerts, Current Conditions, Cams, Foreca...
Wave height, buoy cam, data from buoys and ships nearby, wind station

Hatfield Science Day Returns April 12 With Unique Tours, Including Oregon Coa...
Climb aboard a ship, take special tours, touch sea creatures in Newport. Newport events

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted