SATURDAY OCTOBER 18TH, 2025 | 9AM-8:30PM
bbq & bluegrass bash
The Ultimate BBQ Bash —Paradise North Style
Join us for a full day of smoky bites, bluegrass beats, and good times at the first-ever BBQ & Bluegrass Bash at Paradise North Distillery! From BBQ competitions and live music to a live taping of The Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n Show, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly fall event.
Event Lineup
🍖 BBQ Competition
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Final Turn-In Time)
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Judging)
Watch (and smell!) as contestants fire up the grills for a mouthwatering competition. Come cheer them on and see who takes home the top spot!
📺 Mad Dog & Merrill LIVE Taping
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Midwest’s favorite Grillologists, Mad Dog & Merrill, are bringing their energy and expert tips to Paradise North! Catch the filming of their hit TV show and maybe even snag a spot on camera.
Learn more about the show →
🎃Kids Activities
1 PM – 4 PM
Spooky fun for the little ones! Join The Center for Childhood Safety for Pumpkin Tic Tac Toe, Skull Ring Toss, Sucker Pull, car races, and more festive games—all with plenty of prizes and Halloween cheer!
🎶 Live Bluegrass Music
1:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Enjoy performances from local bluegrass bands The Gentleman Grifters, The Wicksnippers, and Biscuit Creek!
🚚 Food Trucks
2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Grab a bite (or two) from our food truck lineup serving up BBQ favorites, fall comfort foods, and more.
Tickets
VIP Tickets – $50
Enjoy early access to the festivities, competition rib sampling with sides and snacks, and your choice of a complimentary beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). VIP guests also receive an exclusive gift bag, special seating for the taping of the Mad Dog and Merrill Show, and the unique opportunity to interact with competition teams — the perfect way to experience the event in style.
General Admission
$10 – Adults
$5 – Kids 12 and under (All proceeds go to the Center for Childhood Safety)
Giving Back
We’re proud to partner with The Center for Childhood Safety, a nonprofit focused on keeping kids safe in our community.
Learn more:
centerforchildhoodsafety.org
