Knightdale, NC — May 16, 2026 The Town of Knightdale welcomed residents, visitors, and barbecue enthusiasts for the highly anticipated debut of Pickin’ in the Park, a vibrant new community festival celebrating North Carolina barbecue, live music, and giving back.
Held Saturday from 4–7 PM at Knightdale Station Park, directly across from Prime Barbecue, the inaugural event brought together award-winning pitmasters, talented musicians, local vendors, and families for an evening of food, entertainment, and connection. The festival was presented in partnership with Prime Barbecue’s MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognized pitmaster Christopher Prieto, helping establish what organizers hope will become a beloved annual tradition.
Over 3,000 people gathered to enjoy signature dishes from four of North Carolina’s top pitmasters: Prime Barbecue, Sam Jones BBQ, Old Colony Smokehouse, and Dampf Good BBQ, showcasing the rich heritage and flavor of the state’s barbecue tradition. Live performances from The Burnett Sisters Band, Russell Johnson & Bluegrass Time, and Shannon Baker & Sometime Soon provided a lively soundtrack throughout the evening.
In addition to food and music, attendees enjoyed a variety of family-friendly activities, including crafts, games, face painting, and local vendor offerings, creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Beyond the festivities, the event had a meaningful impact on the community. A portion of proceeds from Pickin’ in the Park will support the Raleigh Rescue Mission’s “The Garden,” a new Knightdale-based residential community designed to help women and families build stability and independence.
“Strong partnerships and a commitment to supporting those in need define Knightdale,” said Mayor Jessica Day. “This event not only brought our community together but also demonstrated the power of collaboration to make a difference.”
The Town of Knightdale extends its appreciation to participating pitmasters, performers, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers whose contributions helped make the event a success. Organizers are already looking ahead to building on the momentum of this year’s festival.
For more information and future updates, visit knightdalenc.gov/pickin-park.