Highlighted event
Washington · Pamlico River
Smoke on the Water Festival
A free waterfront weekend of pig cookers, chili, live music, and family fun on the Pamlico, put on by Washington Noon Rotary.
Organized by others. Researched from official sources. Last verified 2026-09-11
At a glance
- When
- Friday–Saturday, October 16–17, 2026
- Where
- Downtown Washington waterfrontWashington, NC
- Organizer
- Washington Noon Rotary
Before you go
- Admission is free. Food, vendors, and some activities cost extra.
- Friday runs late afternoon into the evening; Saturday hours are roughly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the official schedule for parade, judging, and music times.
- Parking is a mix of free and paid spots downtown. Arrive early on Saturday for the easiest walk to the waterfront.
- This is not an NC ’Que event. Use the Rotary festival pages for tickets, vendor updates, and last-minute changes.
Smoke on the Water is a long-running community barbecue festival on the Pamlico Riverfront in downtown Washington. Washington Noon Rotary organizes the weekend, and proceeds support local nonprofits.
Expect a Friday evening kickoff with vendors and music, then a full Saturday of cook-off judging, plate sales, kids activities, and stages along the water. It is a festival atmosphere more than a quiet restaurant crawl, so plan for crowds and confirm the current schedule before you drive east.
Not our event