Celebrate Memorial Day with BBQ, Blues & Brews on Oregon’s Adventure Coast!

Ready to kick off summer with a weekend full of good eats, craft beer, lively music, and memories you’ll treasure? Plan a trip to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston for this Memorial Day (May 24–25, 2025)! The 12th Annual BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay is a must-attend event to kick off your summer travel!

Hosted by The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park , this Kansas City Barbecue Society -sanctioned event promises mouthwatering flavors, great entertainment, and friendly competition you won’t want to miss. Just take a look at some of the highlights from last year’s event that our friends at The Mill Casino put together:

Here’s what visitors can expect at this year’s BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay:

Savory BBQ (obviously). Over two flavor-packed days, indulge in barbecue delights prepared by top regional pitmasters. As a special bonus, festivalgoers can savor creative Mac ‘N Cheese dishes on Saturday and fresh local oysters on Sunday. Samples range from $2–$6 and are available from noon to 6 pm on Saturday and noon to 4 pm on Sunday—while supplies last!

Plenty-o-Brews. Sip and sample your way through three beer stations offering a wide selection of craft brews. Commemorative pint cups will be available for purchase, along with options for full-size pours or tasting-size samples—perfect for discovering a new favorite. Prefer wine? A thoughtfully curated selection will be available as well.

Live Blues & Entertainment. Set the tone for your BBQ weekend with live performances by local favorite Blue Tide Blues Band and the high-energy sounds of Inner Limits , blending blues, funk, and rock straight from Eugene. Between sets, a DJ will keep the music flowing, creating the perfect soundtrack for two fantastic days.

Celebrity appearance by Champion Pitmaster Big Moe Cason. Celebrity pitmaster and host of National Geographic’s World of Flavor,Big Moe Cason , will be back at BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay! Don’t miss your chance to meet the BBQ legend in person, grab a signed cookbook, and hear firsthand tips from one of the top names in the world of barbecue.

KCBS Sanctioned BBQ Competition. One of the biggest draws of BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay is the fierce and flavorful competition! Dozens of top-tier BBQ teams from around the region will fire up their smokers and compete for a share of $15,000 in prize money. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), this is no backyard cook-off—these competitors are judged by certified experts in four official categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork, and beef brisket. Contestants cook through the night, with turn-ins beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday and culminating in an exciting awards ceremony at 4:15 p.m. in the event tent. Prizes will be awarded to the top 10 in each category, plus bonuses for the Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, and Third Runner-Up.

New for 2025: A People’s Choice Vote that gives festivalgoers a say! When guests purchase their entry pass, they’ll receive a voting slip to cast their vote for the team they think delivered the best BBQ of the day. After sampling $2–$6 bites from the competitors, visitors can drop their vote at the info tent, and the team with the most votes each day will win a $250 prize! It’s a delicious way to get involved, taste like a judge, and cheer on your favorite pitmasters.

Also New for 2025: Cornhole for a Cause! This year, visitors are invited to compete and support a great cause at the “Cornhole for a Cause” Tournament , hosted by the Coquille Community Cornhole League during BBQ, Blues & Brews on the Bay. This two-day fundraiser, happening May 24th–25th in the Salmon Room at The Mill Casino, will raise money for Camp Millennium, a nonprofit summer camp for children facing cancer. Awards and prizes will be given to the top three finishers, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Camp Millennium . Register online atScoreholio.com or sign up onsite during the event!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get in? Admission is just $5 per person, per day—kids 5 and under get in free! Entry passes go on sale Friday, May 2nd at Ko-Kwel Gifts inside The Mill Casino , or can be purchased onsite on the days of the event.

Do we need to purchase BBQ Bucks this year? No. ** ** BBQ Bucks will NOT be available to the general public for the 2025 event. However, Mill Club VIPs will receive BBQ Bucks as part of their exclusive event invitation.

How will I be able to sample the BBQ? Visitors can purchase BBQ samples directly from competing teams, with sample prices ranging from $2 to $6 each.

How much should I expect to pay for beer? Guests can purchase a commemorative pint cup for $10, or opt for the cup and a 16oz beer pour for $18, with additional full-size beers available for $9, 5oz samples for $4, and a selection of wines offered for purchase by cash or card.

Will the vendors accept credit cards or debit cards? Yes, visitors can pay with cash or card.

Where should I stay? The Mill Casino is offering special package rates at $250 per night and RV sites at $65 per night—both include two entry passes. Please note: a two-night minimum is required for all Saturday night stays. You can also find other lodging options by visiting oregonsadventurecoast.com/lodging . Hurry, rooms are going quickly!

Where can I see more information and/or the schedule of events? We have listed the schedule along with other details on www.oregonsadventurecoast.com . You can also learn more by visiting themillcasino.com or by following them on Facebook .

Can kids come? Yes, the whole family is welcome!

Is the event pet-friendly? Yes, well-behaved pets are allowed. If you are bringing your four-legged friends along for the trip, make sure your hotel or campground allows pets, and please keep them on a leash in all public places, including the festival. Click here to learn more about traveling with pets on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.

What is the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS)? The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) is a nonprofit organization committed to celebrating and promoting the art of barbecue. Sanctioning over 300 competitions across the country each year, KCBS ensures a fair and consistent judging process by sending certified representatives to oversee every event. Learn more atwww.kcbs.us .

What else is there to do at the Mill Casino? The Mill Casino offers the perfect blend of gaming, entertainment, and relaxation in a beautiful bayfront location. Guests can enjoy more than 600 Vegas-style slot machines and classic table games such as blackjack, Spanish 21, craps, and roulette, along with the only sports betting experience on the Southern Oregon Coast. Keep the fun going after the event at Warehouse 101, relax by the fire in the Lobby Bar, or enjoy a quick bite at Timbers Café (if you’re hungry).

Where else can I find good BBQ on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston? If you’re craving BBQ beyond the festival, Oregon’s Adventure Coast delivers all year long. Enjoy mesquite barbecue at the Coach House in Coos Bay, or dig into southern-style brisket, tri-tip, ribs, and scratch-made sides at Miss Mesquite BBQ Food Truck in North Bend. For variety, head to Front Street Food Trucks in Coos Bay, a family-friendly destination with a rotating lineup of vendors including Elkhorn BBQ and Food Truck , known for its slow-cooked, flavor-packed menu that changes daily.

What are some other spots where I can find good brews on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston? Beer lovers will find plenty of great spots to enjoy delicious brews on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. Visit 7 Devils Brewing Co. in Coos Bay for hand-crafted ales, local art, and live music, or head to their Waterfront Alehouse for bay views, fresh seafood, and craft brews. In North Bend, drop by North Forty Brewing Company and relax on their gorgeous back patio or Wildflour Public House , where you’ll find beer flights, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Other favorites include Tiny’s Tavern and The Back Alley Pub & Grill , both popular for casual drinks and hearty meals. For sports fans, Warehouse 101 at The Mill Casino offers craft beer, wings, entertainment, and plenty of screens to catch the game.

What else should I check out while I am visiting Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston? There is plenty to do here! Here are other fun ideas for experiencing the best of Oregon’s Adventure Coast!

• Explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area . These majestic dunes are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, and give visitors plenty of opportunities to find relaxation and adventure. Riding the Oregon Dunes on an ATV is one of our favorite local pastimes!
• Go Fishing , Crabbing , or Clamming ! People 12 and older must have a fishing or shellfish license. Licenses are available at ODFW offices and many sporting goods or hardware stores. For the most current regulations and harvest notices, check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife .
• Get to know our wonderful and friendly merchants while browsing through the eclectic retail and antique shops located in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston.
• Discover our glorious trifecta of Oregon State Parks . For $10 per car, you can explore Shore Acres State Park , the crown jewel of the Oregon Coast. Be on the lookout for seals and sea lions basking in the sun on Simpson Reef and Shell Island , located just a few miles south of Shore Acres State Park. You can also check out Cape Arago State Park and Sunset Bay State Park .
• Explore local entertainment venues and nightlife. If you want to keep the party going after a day of BBQ, Blues and Brews, we recommend trying your luck at some casino gaming or visiting one of our local night spots with 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.
• Try a local restaurant. There are numerous local restaurants dishing out the freshest seafood and chowder you could hope for. Visit Oregonsadventurecoast.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 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.