PLEASE NOTE: If you are under 18, you will need an adult present to participate in any activity.
This page provides an overall description of Smokin’ on the Plaza’s public events. If you would like a timeline of the festival events, please view our schedule page.
Cook-Off Competitions
JUDGING: 5:30pm, 6/17
Smokin’ on the Plaza’s main event! Our feature cook-off is the IBCA Sanctioned BBQ Competition, in which competitors must present a brisket, pork spare ribs, and chicken for separate judging. There will be a winner in each category, and the top two performers across all categories will be named Grand Champion and Reserve Champion. The sum total of all IBCA awards is a purse of $10,000.
We also host a Non-Sanctioned BBQ Competition, where contenders can participate in the “Beans” cook-off category, the “Anything Goes” category, or both. The winner of each Non-Sanctioned category will take home half of the Non-Sanctioned BBQ Competition’s jackpot prize.
All cook-off competitions have a fee to enter. Check out our Cook-Offs page to find rules and additional information about the IBCA and Non-Sanctioned BBQ Competitions. If you’d like to compete in one or more of our cook-offs, click the button below to apply for a contender’s spot.
“Kids’ Q” Cook-Off
JUDGING: 6pm, 6/16
No adults allowed: this family-friendly competition is just for the kids! Kids’ Q contestants will be provided with pork chops for this cook-off and may use any recipe they choose to prepare their entries. Each competitor must have adult supervision, but adults are not allowed to prepare or cook.
All cook-off competitions have a fee to enter. Check out our Cook-Offs page for more rules and information about the Kids’ Q Competitions. Interested parties can sign up for this event online by clicking the button below, or at the Registration Tent on Day One of Smokin’ on the Plaza (Friday, June 16th) between 9am-5pm.
Cornhole Tournament
STARTS: 6pm, 6/16
Think you’re the best at backyard games? Test your aim in our Cornhole Tournament. This is a team event, with a $20 entry fee for each team. Winners will take home a cash prize—$200 for the first place team, and $100 for second place!
All interested parties must sign up for this event at the Registration Tent on Day One of Smokin’ on the Plaza (Friday, June 16th) between 9am-5pm. The tournament will start at 6pm on Friday, June 16th.
Beer Garden
OPENS: 5pm, 6/17
Get off your feet and beat the heat—Smokin’ on the Plaza’s Beer Garden is a place where you can sit back and relax with a cold drink in hand. Covered seating areas will be provided, with brews served up by Drylands Brewing Company. Alcoholic beverages must stay in the beer garden, and attendees must be 21 or older to enter this area of the festival. The Beer Garden will be open from 5pm-9pm on Saturday, June 17th.
Live Music
STARTS: 5pm, 6/16 • 6pm, 6/17
Smokin’ on the Plaza hosts free live concerts on both days of the festival. Our 2023 lineup includes American Aquarium at and headliner Pat Green performing on Friday night, with appearances by local bands throughout the weekend. There is an open audience area in front of the stage, and two-stepping is encouraged! For more information, check out our Entertainment page.
Roller Rink
OPENS: 5pm, 6/17
You can bring your skates if you would like. However, we will have some available to rent free of charge. Not all sizes will be available based on a first-come, first-serve.
More description goes here.
Foam Party Pit
OPENS: 4pm, 6/17
The foam party pit will wet clothes; please dress accordingly.
More description goes here.
Family Fun Water Fight
STARTS: 3pm, 6/17
Sponsored by the Lovington Fire Department, the Family Fun Water Fight will be open while supplies last. This event will wet clothes; please dress accordingly.
More description goes here.
Beer-lympics
STARTS: 7pm, 6/16
Description goes here. Must be 21 or older to participate.
Vendor Booths
OPEN: 12pm, 6/16 • 12pm, 6/17
If you need a little something to go along with the free BBQ, additional food and drink can be purchased from the food vendors who set up throughout Smokin’ on the Plaza. Shop ’til you drop at the artisan vendor booths, and browse through some one-of-a-kind wares. From handcrafted items to artwork and home wares, you can find gifts and goods for all kinds.
Want to set up shop at the hottest event in the Permian Basin? Check-out our guidelines and vendor application instructions. Vendor space fills up quickly, and is reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. All food and drink service vendors must provide proof of a valid food permit before the festival. View our map for more information about vendor space at Smokin’ on the Plaza.