Foley, AL -  (OBA) - The 15th annual BBQ & Blues Cook Off is back in Foley, Alabama, on March 10 and 11, and this year, the festival is bringing more entertainment than ever before. Presented by RiverView Turf, the festival will be held at Heritage Park in downtown Foley and feature award-winning barbecue, local musicians, food and craft vendors, and a kids’ zone.

The festival kicks off on Friday at 5 PM with the Drawdown event, which will include performances from local musicians Logan Spicer, Tim Roberts, Al & Cathey, and River Dan. Tickets for the event are available for $20, which includes entry into the drawdown and can be purchased in advance.

On Saturday, the festival will be in full swing from 11 AM - 4:30 PM with the annual Cook Off event. Sanctioned by the Alabama Barbecue Association Trail and the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the BBQ & Blues Cook Off will host over 30 backyard division cook teams from across the Gulf Coast competing for the Grand Championship title and other top prizes. The competition categories include Chicken, Ribs, Boston Butts, Sauce, Dessert, and Anything “Butt,” which includes exotic items and seafood. The team with the highest "People's Choice" donations will be awarded a traveling trophy to display at their business all year.

In addition to the cook-off, the festival will have vendors, food trucks, beverages, a kids’ zone, and merchandise available. Tickets for the cook-off are available for $10 and can be purchased in advance or at the gate, with ages 10 and younger admitted free.

This year, the festival will feature a new addition with a concert by southern rock band Wet Willie. The gates for the concert will close from the Cook Off at 4:30 PM and reopen at 6 PM. Food and drinks will be available for purchase courtesy of Tin Top Restaurant and Flora-Bama. Tickets for the concert are available for $30 and can be purchased in advance.

A discounted weekend pass for access to all three events can be purchased for $50 at foleybbqandblues.net.

The proceeds from the festival will benefit the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation to support thirteen local schools through programs and partnerships that enrich education and develop leadership to better the community.

Whether you’re a barbecue lover, a fan of southern rock, or just looking for a fun weekend activity, the BBQ & Blues Cook Off in Foley