Long Beach BBQ Fest 2026 will return to our city for its fourth year on Memorial Day Weekend, bringing two days of barbecue, live-fire cooking, music, and community celebration to Rainbow Lagoon.
Qiana and Ian Mafnas, the powerhouse couple behind the massive endeavor, are no strangers to barbecue: they operate Axiom Kitchen, the BBQ pop-up that’s helped build a name for Long Beach for years. On the fest’s second year of operation, they highlighted an array of local pitmasters, from Brother’s Keeper and Brian’s Big Meats to Full Send Off. In other words, they’ve been nothing but uplifting of a culture that has finally begun to find its own SoCal-centric voice.
And this year, they will be producing the festival under their newly minted Axiom Productions banner in collaboration with NoahS’s Arc Foundation.
Celebrating four years: Long Beach BBQ Fest 2026 brings biggest version yet.
Qiana notes the four-year anniversary celebration “reflects both the growth of our business and the broader evolution of barbecue culture in Southern California, where traditional smoking techniques increasingly intersect with modern culinary experimentation.”
Festivalgoers can expect a broad lineup that proves to be its strongest yet. From classic slow-smoked meats to more contemporary open-fire techniques, the event aims to showcase the creativity and diversity shaping today’s BBQ landscape.
One of the weekend’s most anticipated attractions will be the live-fire experience presented by Titus Smokers and Chef Jennifer Lowry, featuring Long Beach’s first whole steer cook prepared on a custom-built cross rig designed specifically for the festival.
The festival will also welcome back acclaimed pitmaster Logan Sandoval of ZEF BBQ and BBQ Showdown fame, who will be serving food throughout the weekend.
There were concerns last year about management of lines and expectations—and organizers hear you.
Last year definitely had some hiccups as the Long Beach BBQ Fest faced an onslaught of massive crowds, long lines, and some heavy learning curves. With that, Qiana and the team have heard you: They’ve moved locations, altered the footprint, and want to get back on track toward the main goal, which is barbecue.
“Last year was a big learning experience for us,” Qiana said. “And we really took that to heart. This year, we’ve moved into a new park with a better footprint. We expanded the entrance. Added more vendors, so there are even more food options. And brought on more staff to support the flow. Overall, it’s going to be a much smoother and more elevated experience from the moment you walk in.”
The main question: Who is smokin’ and cookin’ at Long Beach BBQ Fest 2026?
This year’s lineup is, well, stacked.
- Avalon Smokehouse
- Axiom Kitchen
- Big Brian’s Meats
- Big J’s SoCal BBQ
- Big Rah’s BBQ
- Big Sal’s Up In Smoke
- Bootsy’s BBQ
- Brother’s Keeper BBQ
- Bully’s Craft BBQ
- Califas BBQ
- Casey Family BBQ
- Cornerstone BBQ
- Dragon Fire BBQ
- El Guero y La Flaca
- Kitchen’s Corner
- Magilla’s BBQ
- Midway City BBQ
- Mussels and Pearls
- Nova’s Craft BBQ
- OC Smokehouse
- Q Bellie’s BBQ
- Ray’s Bangers and Mash
- Rib Bones BBQ
- Shourai BBQ
- Smokey Lips BBQ
- Smokin Rubens BBQ
- Soul Feels Good Vegan BBQ
- Texas Craft BBQ
- Viti Smoked Meats
- White Oak Craft BBQ
- WOW’s Kitchen
What else to expect from Long Beach BBQ Fest 2026: Dove Shack, live fire, and more.
Beyond the barbecue itself, attendees can explore specialty vendors, culinary exhibitors, whiskey tastings, and full bar offerings, alongside craft beer from ISM Brewing, returning for its third year as the festival’s official beer partner. Cocktails and spirits will be handled by The Wicked Wolf and The Traveling Bar Co.
Perhaps the raddest part of all? “Summertime in the LBC” creators Dove Shack will be on hand to provide live rhythms and vibes, adding a distinctly Long Beach soundtrack to the waterfront festivities. And guests can also expect appearances from Snoop Dogg’s son, Cordell Broadus, promoting the family’s new iced treat brand, Dr. Bombay Ice Cream.
Long Beach BBQ Fest 2026 takes place on May 23 and 24 at Rainbow Lagoon. For more information, including tickets, click here.
