Get ready to indulge in the finger-licking goodness of the best BBQ in the tristate area at the Smoke on the River BBQ Fest! Located at Newport’s Festival Park along the scenic Ohio River, this festival boasts picturesque views of the Cincinnati skyline. The festival’s focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in the mouthwatering BBQ offerings available from the area’s top pitmasters. From juicy ribs that melt in your mouth to succulent chicken and tender brisket, there is something for every BBQ lover. Cold drinks reign supreme, complementing the flavors to create a truly memorable culinary experience. Free live music all weekend long featuring Cincinnati’s top local bands.

Admission is free, and visitors can find more details about the festival at CincyFests.com
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to indulge in the best BBQ, enjoy free live music, and soak up the stunning views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline – all at the Smoke on the River BBQ Fest!

Dates: May 9-11, 2025

Friday 5pm-11pm

Saturday 12pm-11pm

Sunday 12pm-9pm

FOOD VENDORS

House of Brisket:

“Big Chubby”: Potato w/ brisket or pork

Brisket Sandwich w/ chips

Pork Sandwich w/ chips

Spicy Hog Wings w/ chips

Brisket Nachos 

Pork Nachos 

Pork Belly Burnt Ends 

Pork Belly Platter w/ 2 sides

BBQ Half Chicken Platter w/ 2 sides 

Shrimp Lips:

BBQ Chicken Mac

Lobster Mac

Southern-Style Mac

BBQ Fried Frog Legs

Fried Ribs

Cornbread

Southern Coleslaw

Fat Boy Q:

Slow-Smoked Wings

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Brisket Sandwich

Slow Smoke Spare Ribs

Loaded Fries

Smoked Mac & Cheese

Coleslaw

Guns Up BBQ:

Pig Roast

Pork BBQ Sliders

Pineapple BBQ Boat

Boneless Pork Chop Sandwich

BYO BBQ Nacho Bar

Loaded Ribbon Fries

Funnel Cakes
 

The Lumpia Queen:

Jumbo BBQ Chicken Stick

Jumbo BBQ Pork Stick

Chicken, Beef, Pork Lumpia 

Fili-BBQ Cheesesteak Lumpia

Turon (Sweet Plantains)

2025 Entertainment Lineup 

Friday:

5:00 pm- Road Trip

8:00 pm- Michelle Robinson Band

Saturday:

12:00 pm- Time Stamp

3:45 pm – 3 Day Rule

7:45 pm- Swan

Sunday:

12:00 pm- Ninety-Four .04

3:00 pm- Abe’s Lincoln

6:00 pm- 1.21 Gigawatts