The Smoke & Ashe Pitmaster Invitational, hosted in the City of Asheboro, will be a “Celebration of Good Taste”. The two-day event will offer a unique collection of special events/activities, vendor displays, food and beverage options and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.
The event will feature barbecue sampling from some of the region’s top pitmasters including Asheboro’s own Keith Henning of Black Powder Smokehouse.
Date: April 24-25, 2026
Hours: Friday: 6:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday: 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Friday: Black Powder Smokehouse, Saturday: Centennial Park, Asheboro
Tickets: Start at $30, Click Here For Tickets
For questions or more information, email smokeashe.festival@gmail.com
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!
TWO SIGNATURE EVENTS!
FRIDAY, APRIL 24: THE PITMASTER DINNER
SATURDAY, APRIL 25: THE SMOKE & ASHE PITMASTER INVITATIONAL
PARTICIPATING PITMASTERS
Keith Henning
Black Powder Smokehouse
Asheboro/Jamestown
Lewis Donald
Sweet Lew’s BBQ
Charlotte
Nick Dampf
Dampf Good BBQ
Cary
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
EVENT SPONSORS
Additional Sponsorships Available! Click Here For More Information
Presenting Sponsor
Ben E. Keith Co. Foodservice Distributors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do tickets for the Smithfield Cup work?
The Smithfield Cup is an all-day event (noon-4 p.m.) at Cape Fear Distillery in Elizabethtown. You will need to purchase a Sampling Ticket in order to gain access to the event and sample various pork offerings and Southern sides from the North Carolina and South Carolina pitmasters.
Each General Admission Sampling Card includes three pork samples and one side from each team for a total of six (6) meat samples and two (2) sides. A la carte/individual samples will not be sold.
What is an “Early Entry” ticket?
Early Entry tickets grant the ticket holder an additional hour of access to the Smithfield Cup, beginning at 11 a.m., along with up to ten (10) meat samples and four (4) sides. General admission ticketholders will not be able to partake in BBQ sampling until noon.
How do I get my Sampling Ticket?
Provide your email receipt or show your purchase via phone at admissions and you will receive a sampling ticket and lanyard for entry. You will present your sampling ticket at each pitmaster and you will get your ticket hole punched.
What are the three pork offerings?
The North Carolina team and South Carolina team will each be sampling pork ribs, pork BBQ and pork tenderloin. Six total meat sampling per General Admission ticket.
Will there be BBQ sauce and rub vendors?
Yes. You will be able to sample and purchase BBQ sauces and rubs from various vendors.
Is the Smithfield Cup a Family Friendly Event?
The Smithfield Cup is open to all ages, and will include a Kids Zone. Children 14 and under receive a FREE complimentary “Kids” Sampling ticket with a paid Adult Sampling ticket. You may reserve up to four (4) kids tickets for FREE.
Can I purchase tickets at the gate?
Yes, as long as tickets last. The best way to secure your tickets is to purchase in advance online at www.smithfieldcup.com.
Can I pay cash or credit?
Both forms of payment will be accepted by most, if not all, vendors and at admissions.
Where should I park Sunday?
Parking is FREE adjacent to Cape Fear Distillery. Parking attendants will direct you to event parking.
Is the event handicapped accessible?
The event layout is relatively flat and there is handicapped parking available.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No. Outside food or drink is prohibited at the Smithfield Cup. All items are subject to search at all entry points.
Will alcohol be sold?
Yes, beer, wine and mixed drinks will be available for purchase.
Should I bring a chair?
Yes. Patrons wishing to bring their own chairs to listen to music is allowed.
Can I bring my dog to the event?
Dogs are welcome provided they are on a leash and not aggressive.
What happens if it rains?
The Smithfield Cup is a “rain or shine” event.
