In this episode of "This Week in Barbecue," we bring you the latest festival recaps and BBQ news. We start with Grill and Chill Fest 2024, a joyful event that included a special donation in honor of Darren W. Carter’s work with foster youth and an unexpected gift for Evan Pearl—Rasheed’s smoker! Auntie Delilah impressed everyone with a new mac and cheese creation, and live demos from Gerald and Chuck kept the crowd entertained. The night wrapped up with a Waffle House visit, officially a post-event tradition.

Next, we cover the Openfire Meat Up 2024 in Hondo, TX, hosted by Al Frugoni. With appearances from BBQ legends like Tuffy Stone and Robert Sierra, the event saw North and South California BBQ teams showing up and showing out. Top 3 honors went to Argentina’s team, with People’s Choice awarded to Team TFTI. We were also thrilled to meet young talent Rae Barker, 2023 MasterChef Junior Champion.

Looking forward, we preview Holy Smokes, coming November 9th, and share news including high-quality cheese options on the way, and Wild Heaven Beer teaming up with Fox Bros for a new Toco Hill location. MM BBQ Company is collaborating with Kunchi for a backyard BBQ academy in Tool, TX, on November 2, and Ziegler BBQ Co. celebrates receiving their business license with Springfield, MO pop-up events soon. Lanes BBQ has signed a lease to open a restaurant in Bethlehem in 2025, while Austin's historic House Park BBQ reopens after a fire four years ago. And finally, mark your calendars for Texas Monthly BBQ Fest on November 2-3 in Lockhart, TX, and the new season of Smoke Sessions!