Q in the Lou returns to Kiener Plaza this weekend in downtown St. Louis

Expect plenty of barbecue, beer, and bands.

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St. Louis’ annual Q in the Lou return to Kiener Plaza this weekend, after taking a year off during the pandemic, for three days of family-friendly fun and top-notch barbecue.

Attendees can purchase barbecue, drinks, and more. Or skip the lines by purchasing a Q Pit Pass, providing access to lounges with all-you-can-eat and drink offerings, as well as private restrooms.​

Pitmasters, Pro Tips & Prizes

The lineup of legendary pitmasters on Bud Select Pit Row include both familiar names, as well as some more far-flung experts:

  • Mike Emerson & John Matthews of Pappy’s Smokehouse
  • Mike Johnson & Christina Fitzgerald of Sugarfire Smokehouse
  • David Sandusky of Beast Craft BBQ
  • Tim Scheer of Blues Hog Barbeque in Washington, Missouri
  • Todd Johns of Plowboys BBQ in Blue Spring, Missouri
  • Esaul Ramos & Joe Melig of 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio, Texas
  • Leslie Roark Scott of Ubons Barbeque in Yazoo City, Mississippi
  • John David Wheeler of Memphis Barbeque Company in Horn Lake, Mississippi
  • Terrance Winters ‘Frymaster Tee’, Que49 Smokehouse, Jonesboro, Arkansas

You can also learn more about barbecuing by attending a demo at one of three stages, where pitmasters and chefs will showcase their recipes and share tricks of the trade.

And if you're feeling competitive, consider entering your barbecue in the Q in the Lou Sweepstakes (offering such prizes as an all-expenses-paid barbecue trip to Austin for two, a Primo XL Charcoal Jack Daniel's edition ceramic grill, and a TREK Green Mountain grill and cart) or the the Rib Rumble (on Saturday at 4:45 p.m., when eight attendees will try to eat “the most rib meat in a five-minute heat”).

Beyond the Barbecue

To polish off all that barbecue, try something sweet, specifically the Crown Royal Cobbler from Sweet Peaches Cobblers. (Denisha Jones' desserts became so popular during the pandemic, Jones decided to make the move from licensed behavioral analyst to full-time entrepreneur.)

And as a soundtrack to the festivities, guests can also enjoy live music at the Jack Daniel’s Music Stage from such artists as Dave Grelle’s Playadors, Lamar Harris, We Are Root Mod, and Nick Sizemore.

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