Photos by Thomas Rimpel and Martinez Chamber of Commerce from 2025
Get ready for three days of incredible BBQ, live music, family fun, and community celebration as the King of the County BBQ and Music Festival returns to Martinez Waterfront Park on Father’s Day Weekend, June 19–21.
Hosted by the Martinez Chamber of Commerce, and presented by Martinez Refinery Company, our team at Diablo Gazette love sponsoring this event each year for what it brings to the community on Father’s Day weekend.
Now a community tradition, this event draws more than 20,000 attendees each year for a waterfront weekend filled with live entertainment, amazing food and shopping selections, kids’ fun zone and activities for all ages.
Admission is free, as is parking, making it the perfect Father’s Day Weekend destination for families throughout the Bay Area.
Festival goers can enjoy live music from eight top local bands, while enjoying extraordinary BBQ and other delicious food, local wine and beer, kids rides, arts and crafts and commercial exhibitors. Visit countybbq.com to see the full band schedule and festival information.
Festival hours are Friday 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Father’s Day Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Backyard BBQ Competition Brings the Heat
The heart of the festival, a BBQ Cook-off on Saturday and Sunday that pits 25-30 BBQ teams from across the region to battle it out for the coveted title of “King of the County.”
Witness returning champions, family teams and first-time competitors all slow cookin’, smoking and grilling looking to claim bragging rights while taking home trophies, swag and cash prizes.
All entries are judged through a blind tasting process overseen by event committee leadership and table monitors to ensure a fair and competitive experience for every team.
Whether you come for the BBQ, the music, the shopping, the rides or the family-friendly atmosphere, the King of the County BBQ and Music Festival is the perfect event to celebrate with Dad.
For additional festival information, vendor opportunities, or competition details, visit countybbq.com or contact the Martinez Chamber of Commerce at (925) 228-2345.