BBQ, Blues, Brews, and Now Bourbon on Tap This Memorial Day Weekend!

Annual Memorial Day Weekend festival features music, brews, plenty of delicious BBQ, and fun, May 23-24, 2026!

If you have attended the annual BBQ, Blues, and Brews on the Bay festival before and thought, “Something is missing, but I just can’t name it.” Well, you weren’t wrong! This year, the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort (formerly The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park) has added a new element to its famously tasty annual festival: Bourbon!

That’s right, the annual BBQ, Blues, and Brews on the Bay is now the annual BBQ, Blues, Brews & Bourbon on the Bay , and we are here for it!

Why Bourbon? The question shouldn’t be “why bourbon?”, but rather “Why NOT bourbon?” When the Coquille Indian Tribe and the Coquille Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO) announced the renaming of The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park to Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay last year, they also shared plans for a major expansion to include Oregon’s first tribally owned distillery , which will produce and sell a variety of distilled spirits, including…you guessed it…bourbon!

The recent renovation of the Plank House Restaurant includes a tasting room featuring their own Ko-Kwel Spirits. This marks a significant milestone for the Tribe, so it’s only fitting to rename one of their biggest events of the year to reflect this exciting new addition!

Highlights of this Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned event include:

• An appearance by Pit master, television personability, and cookbook author, Moe Cason .
• A cooking class with the Bob & Moe BBQ Show on Friday, May 22 at the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay. Advanced registration required; space is limited.
• 2 oz mouth-watering samples for purchase from dozens of pit-masters from around the country as they gather to compete for the coveted first-place prize.
• Three beer stations where guests can buy a commemorative logo’d pint cup and delicious craft beers and wine in various sizes.
• Tastings of the Ko-Kwel Spirits Bourbons.
• Live entertainment throughout the weekend, capped off with an awards ceremony.

Think you have what it takes to compete? Register your team by submitting a completed entry form and the full entry fee by May 8, 2026. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must compete in the main categories: Brisket, Pork, Ribs, Chicken, and Bourbon. (Bourbon items must be made with Ko-Kwel Spirits Bourbon.) Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Get your entry in early to reserve your spot.

Kick off summer the right way and join fellow food lovers from around the region to celebrate the start of a new season with music, craft brews, delicious BBQ, and so much more at the annual BBQ, Blues, Brews & Bourbon on the Bay May 23-24, 2026! Accommodations fill up quickly, so book your lodging early for the best deals!

Event Hours

Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 12 PM – 6 PM

Sunday, May 24, 2026 | 12 PM – 4 PM

Admission: A $5 entry fee gets you into the event each day.

Entertainment: The event will feature live performances by some of the region’s best blues musicians. See the schedule for times and bands.

Here are other fun ways to experience the best of Oregon’s Adventure Coast during your visit!

• Explore local entertainment venues and nightlife . If you want to keep the party going after the event, try your luck at casino gaming or visit one of our local night spots for a fun, down-to-earth, Oregon Coast vibe. If you plan to visit any of these, it’s best to call ahead to confirm their schedule.

  • 7 Devils Brewing Company
  • The Back Alley Pub & Grill at North Bend Lanes
  • Wildflour Public House
  • Captain’s Cabin Bar
  • Coney Station
  • NoBe Taphouse, and Food Cart Pod & Front Street Food Trucks

   

• If fishing is your thing, Oregon’s South Coast is the place for you! With over30 freshwater lakes and rivers in Coos County alone, plus outstandingbay and ocean fishing , there is something for everyone. Local sporting goods stores make it easy to gear up , offering rentals, licenses, and expert advice. Remember: a license is required for fishing, crabbing, or clamming unless it is a designated Free Fishing Day. Check with the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission (ODFW) for more information, and be sure to downloadour Fishing Information Rack Card here (PDF).

   

• Explore the 32,186 acres of dunes, forest, streams, and lakes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area . Riding the Oregon Dunes on an ATV or UTV is a favorite local activity, but you can also enjoy the dunes on foot or on a fat-tire bike and take in the amazing natural scenery on some of the non-motorized trails like the John Dellenback Trail.

   

• Visit the majestic Oregon State Parks along Cape Arago Highway. For just $10 per vehicle per day, you can visit Sunset Bay State Park , Cape Arago State Park , and Shore Acres State Park , the “crown jewel” of the Oregon Coast. Watch for seals and sea lions relaxing in the sun on Simpson Reef and Shell Island , between Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks.

   

• Try a local restaurant. There are numerous local restaurants dishing out fresh seafood and chowder. Download our Local Restaurant Guide to carry with you, or visitOregonsadventurecoast.com/dining to see all our local restaurants.

Be sure to request a visitor’s packet or check out ourAdventures page andTrip Ideas page to see more adventures you can have on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. You can also contact theCoos Bay - North Bend - Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau . You can also follow Oregon’s Adventure Coast Facebook , @travelcoosbay on Instagram , and TikTok to find inspiration on the best spots to visit, eat, stay, and explore any time of the year.