Beer and barbecue lovers, rejoice: Your favorite weekend in the Keys is here.
Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15 will see the return of the third annual Florida Keys BrewBQ, a celebration of savory grilled meats and craft beers presented by the Marathon Chamber of Commerce. The festival will see the return of the live music lineup, delicious food, kids’ games and vendors that have become staples of the weekend. A renewed amateur barbecue contest and second year of the People’s Choice Awards is sure to highlight both evenings – see our competition preview page for plenty of smack talk – and new for this year, the Marathon Community Park will host a petting zoo as exotic animals from Julio’s Zoo 2 U make an appearance on Saturday.
Ready for the festival? We’ve got everything you need to know, all in one place.
THE HOURS
Friday, July 14: 5 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 15: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Marathon Community Park, 200 36th St. Ocean, Marathon
THE COST
Tickets are $5 per person per day. Children under 12 are admitted free.
THE LAYOUT
THE BEERS
Islamorada Beer Co., Florida Keys Brewing Co., Waterfront Brewery, Founders Brewing Co., Veza Sur Brewing Co., JDub’s Brewing Co., Goose Island Beer Co., Cigar City Brewing, Wynwood Brewing, J. Wakefield Brewing, Broski Ciderworks, Cycle Brewing, Dogfish Head, Swamp Head Brewery, Funky Buddha, Hard Bottom Brewing, South Beach Brewing Co., Sailfish Brewing Co., Inlet Brewing Co.
THE FOOD
Joe the Smoking Pig, Brutus Restaurant & Seafood Market, BattleRig BBQ, Lazy Days South, Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys
THE COMPETITION
People’s Choice tasting tickets for the amateur barbecue competition are available for $2 per sample ($10 per night to sample all five competitors’ dishes). Tasting for pork belly burnt ends goes from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, and tasting for pulled pork goes from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Please note that all tasting is while supplies last. Vote for your favorite pitmaster to win prizes and glory by dropping a ticket in the voting boxes at their booths!
THE MUSIC
Friday
The 79th Street Band – 5 p.m.
79th Street Band is four guys hanging out who love to play music here in the beautiful Florida Keys. Covering rock, country, and other genres you will enjoy their Keysy music and vibe!
Abstract Radio – 7 p.m.
A local band covering rock and many other types of popular music, with some of the most talented musicians here in the Florida Keys. You will enjoy Abstract Radio, preferably with a beer in one hand and some BBQ in the other.
Saturday
John Bartus & Adrienne Z – 11:30 a.m.
Singer/songwriters John and Adrienne bring quite a variety of classic rock as well as original songs from their CDs. Expect anything from quiet acoustic numbers to all-out rockers.
Lady A Band – 2:30 p.m.
Lady A, with her strong, earthy blues vocal style and harmonica playing, has carved a place all over Florida in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and has now returned to her beloved Florida Keys ready for action.
Apache Dragon – 5:30 p.m.
Apache Dragon is a kick-ass 6-piece classic rock party band from South Florida. Their unique brand of entertainment combines incredible musicianship and high-energy crowd participation with primarily ’70s, ’80s and ’90s rock hits fused with thunderous Latin percussion that will make you want to dance and have a great time.
