HAPPY NATIONAL BBQ DAY TO US ALL ON MAY 16TH!!!
#CelebrateEveryDay
“GET FIRED UP, THE 2025 TAMPA PIG JIG WILL BE THE EVENT OF THE YEAR!” The 14th Annual Tampa Pig Jig shall be held on, October 18th, 2025 at The Julien B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. Fortunately, The Tampa Pig Jig BBQ Charity Fundraising Event takes place the weekend AFTER The 2025 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational BBQ Competition, in Lynchburg, Tennessee, which is set for October 10th -11th, 2025! PHEW! The Tampa Pig Jig invites you to “Grab your koozie, bring your bib, and get ready to go hog wild at The Tampa Pig Jig on the river!” The Riverfront Park is 25 acres of beauteous waterfront located in the center of the city of Tampa, Florida. The Festival Lawn, designed for public event space to host jamborees, music concerts, fetes and gatherings, offers a sweeping view of the park, downtown Tampa, and the Hillsborough River. The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6 mile walkway running along the Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel. We visited The Tampa Riverwalk on St. Patrick’s Day to witness “The River O’Green” where the Hillsborough River is dyed green via cannons shooting lime green (non-toxic) coloring from the bow of the ship “PATRIOT!” It. Was. Crazypants. And we can confirm that The Julien B. Lane Riverfront Park is an absolutely gorgeously stunning venue! For further venue information and check here: www.visittampabay.com or www.tampagov.net
The Tampa Pig Jig www.tampapigjig.com website states. “Each fall, The Tampa Pig Jig brings incredible live music, delicious food, ice-cold beer, and a fierce corporate barbecue competition to downtown Tampa’s waterfront. But it’s more than just a good time, The Tampa Pig Jig is a philanthropic event that raises money for NephCure, the only nonprofit organization committed to supporting research, improving treatment, and finding a cure for the debilitating kidney disease, FSGC- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis and Nephrotic Syndrome.” In 2011, when 1 of “their own was diagnosed with the rare and debilitating disease, a group of lifelong friends joined forces to host a Backyard BBQ- and they called it Pig Jig. The get-together was a small fundraiser for their friend, Will Wellman,” regarding his FGSG diagnosis. The backstory of ‘CUEING UP A CURE continues, “what began as a backyard cook-off among friends has grown into The Tampa Pig Jig on The River, an annual waterfront fundraiser complete with nationally recognized country and rock music artists!” Since its inception in 2011, The Tampa Pig Jig has donated millions of dollars to NephCure Kidney International- “BECOMING ITS LARGEST ANNUAL DONOR NATIONWIDE,” and has helped launch nearly 60 clinical trials. “From A Backyard BBQ to A Beacon of Hope,” Tampa’s Pig Jig has shared their “Mission: to support families facing serious medical challenges.” The HopeWill Foundation has proudly hosted The Pig Jig since 2011. Now, The HopeWill Foundation has compounded its Mission: “Our Mission is growing, just like the event itself. While we continue our strong commitment to NephCure and the rare kidney disease community, we are expanding our support to include local organizations that help families facing a wide range of life-shattering medical challenges. Whether it’s supporting cutting-edge research, easing the burden of treatment costs, or connecting families to vital resources- we are here to make a difference.” On April 16th, 2024, “The Old Florida Federation announced its transformation into The HopeWill Foundation, ushering in a new era of dedication and determination in the fight against FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. The HopeWill Foundation focuses on community building and giving back in meaningful ways.” Since its founding, The Tampa Pig Jig has raised over 9 million dollars in donations! The Tampa Pig Jig has inspired other Fundraising Events and Gatherings across the country: The Silicon Valley Pig Jig in San Jose, California; The Rocky Mountain Pig Jig in Colorado Springs, Colorado and The Staten Island Pig Jig in Staten Island, New York! www.hopewillfoundation.com decidedly, steadfastly states:
“HopeWill connect communities.
HopeWill feed new ideas.
HopeWill ‘CUE UP A CURE.
HopeWill change the world.”
This indicated axiom IS THE LITERAL BACKBONE OF BBQ-ers and BBQ-ing PHILOSOPHY: HELPING OTHERS IN NEED. The common themes of: GOOD-WILL, SOCIAL-CONSCIENCE, ALTRUISM, BENEVOLENCE AND GENEROSITY are found in BBQ Communities from www.ribbqnews.com Patrons and Readers, to NEBS Members and Followers, to Kids-Q Contestants and Collaborators, as well as found within our beloved traveling BBQ competition teams who are loading, hauling, trucking, cooking, grilling, smoking and BBQ-ing across the country! No matter from whence you hail: Rhode Island to Florida, Near or Far, East, West, North or South– BBQ Participants, BBQ Challengers, BBQ Entrants, BBQ Team Members, and BBQ Fans all share these similitudes: PASSION. ASSIDUITY. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS. BBQ PEOPLE Volunteer, Support, Champion, and Donate back into their communities with a fierce DEVOTION, performing acts of charity and practicing selfless concern for the well-being of others. It is a marvel to behold; GIVE YOURSELVES A HARDY ROUND OF WELL-DESERVED APPLAUSE.
The general public may purchase tickets to The 2025 Tampa Pig Jig starting on May 16th. If you Subscribe to The Tampa Pig Jig Newsletter, via their website, you shall receive the latest and greatest most up-to-date-information about the Event, Ticketing Access, Game Areas, FOOD ROW VENDORS, Merchandise Deals and more. Additionally, you may Enter the BBQ Competition, noting that Pre-Registration is Required, @TampaPigJig asks, “Think you’ve got what it takes to bring the heat to this year’s Pig Jig? We’re looking for BBQ Teams and sponsors to join the fun, serve up some serious flavor, and help us ‘Cue Up a Cure for FSGS. Interested? Let’s talk: www.tampapigjig.com/contact and submit a form to receive information.” @TampaPigJig also queries, “Let’s get Cookin’- Are you the master of your grill? If you think you have the sauce, compete in a friendly, amateur BBQ competition with a chance to win trophies and bragging rights. If you really know your stuff, you might even score the “Overall Grand Champion” crown for a year. BBQ Teams consist of 2 cooks participating in one or all of our categories, including brisket, butt, ribs, and Wild Card where anything edible goes! Our expert team of judges score each entry and competition results are announced immediately BEFORE the HEADLINING MUSICAL ACT.”
#BBQWithAPurpose
#WhyWePigJig
The 2024 Pig Jig BBQ Competition Categories included those named above:
- WILD CARD: ANYTHING Goes! Get Creative!
- Butt
- Ribs
- Brisket
- AND- A NEW SPECIALTY CATEGORY; An ANCILLARY COMPETITION FOR THE BEST USE OF BOURBON! “Yellowstone Bourbon,” was featured in 2024…I can hardly wait to find out what “The Specialty Category for 2025” will be!
Below, please find The Tampa 2024 Pig Jig PIT MAP to utilize as a reference. There is also A Silent Auction planned, highlighting such commodities as Event Tickets, Autographed Items, Spa Vacations, and other Surprises! The website presents valuable pertinent information, and a “Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Section.” www.TampaPigJig.com/FAQS One of the most FAQS is, “Can we walk through the BBQ Competition PIT Areas?” The answer is: “YES! Walk the rows and meet the incredible teams from local businesses who compete and help make the Pig Jig happen! Keep in mind that The Pig Jig is an Amateur BBQ Competition, and our competitors are not Food Safety Certified. As such, they may not be able to serve food to the general public. FOOD ROW VENDORS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND WILL OFFER TRADITIONAL AND CREATIVE SPINS ON BBQ FAVORITES ALL DAY!” To get in touch with The Tampa Pig Jig Team for illuminating supplemental details you may contact them at: ta*********@***il.com OR:
Tampa Pig Jig
c/o HopeWill Foundation
PO Box 172597
Tampa, Florida 33672
On Monday, May 12th, 2025, the MUSICAL LINE UP for The Tampa Pig Jig was announced! “We’re turning up the HEAT with our HEADLINER AND PLATINUM-SELLING COUNTRY STAR… MEGAN MORONEY! DOUBLE GRAMMY NOMINEES- MIDLAND! Singer-songwriter- MATT NATHANSON! Folk-Rock Favorites- JAMESTOWN REVIVIAL! And rising Southern talent- GEORGE PIPPEN!” The Pig Jig Instagram Social Media @TampaPigJig says, “BBQ IS BETTER WITH A KILLER SOUNDTRACK…AND THIS YEAR’S LINE-UP IS CHEF’S KISS! MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY TO DIG IN!” #SmokinHotLineup “BBQ IN ONE HAND, A COLD BEER IN THE OTHER HAND, AND YOUR FAVORITE BAND ON STAGE! THAT’S THE PIG JIG WAY!” #BBQSeason #CueUpACure
Megan Moroney is an American country singer and songwriter from Douglasville, Georgia. While in college at The University of Georgia, she interned for Kristian Bush of the famed country duo “Sugarland,” allowing her to make introductions into The Nashville Country Music Scene after she graduated from college. Megan Moroney’s SMASH HITS include: “Am I Okay?” from her 2024 Album of the same title, “Man on the Moon,” “Indifferent,” and My Personal favorite, “BLESS YOUR HEART,” all from her “Am I Okay?” Album. Her Debut 2023 Album, “LUCKY,” famously includes “I’m Not Pretty,” “Tennessee Orange,” and “Sad Songs for Sad People.” Megan won 2023’s “New Female Artist of The Year” from The Academy of Country Music Awards, as well as a CMA Award, a CMT Award and “The Rulebreaker Award,” from The Billboard Women in Music Award in 2025! Many of her songs were released as 1-at-a-time EPs prior to an entire album being released. We saw Megan Moroney perform live twice last year, as part of the Kenny Chesney 2024 “SUN GOES DOWN TOUR,” and Megan was a REMARKABLE ENTERTAINER! On May 9th, 2025, Megan Moroney and Kenny Chesney released a new duet EP single entitled, “You Had to Be There,” to great acclaim. Megan states, “As y’all know, I write about things that are important to me & the sun goes down tour + becoming friends with Kenny @kennychesney last summer was undoubtedly a highlight of my career & my life. I wrote out the lyrics and gifted this song to him for Christmas & thankfully he loved it…so excited for y’all to hear it on Friday.” Kenny responded with the comment, “What a gift Megan. You are one of the most thoughtful humans I’ve met. So excited for everyone to hear it.” You can find additional information about Megan Moroney at www.meganmoroney.com
“Midland,” is an American country music group formed in 2014 in Dripping Springs, Texas. Midland has released four studio albums. Midland has had 7 Charted Singles on The Billboards Country Chart, including their infamous tunes: “Drinkin’ Problem,” “Burn Out,” “Make a Little,” the SMASH COUNTRY LINE-DANCE HIT= “MR. LONELY,” “Cheatin’ Songs,” “Sunrise Tells the Story,” and “Longneck Way to Go.” Midland’s musical style is known as “neotraditional country.” They named their band after a song by famous country musician Dwight Yoakam that was called, “Fair to Midland.” Midland has been nominated for 2 Grammy Awards. In 2018, Midland won The ACM Award for “Best New Vocal Group of the Year.” Since 2016, the band Midland has been comprised of: Mark Wystrach-Lead Vocals, Guitar; Cameron Duddy-Bass Guitar, Vocals; and Jess Carson- Guitar, Vocals. You can find more information about the band at: www.midlandofficial.com
Matt Nathanson is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor whose work is a blend of folk and rock and roll music. He plays both acoustic and electric guitar, and his work includes the platinum-selling song, “Come On Get Higher.” “Jamestown Revival,” is an American folk duo made up of Zach Chance and Jonathan Clay. Their songs are a combination of harmonies that merge Southern country, Americana, and Western rock music. “Jamestown Revival” has gained wider recognition and notoriety for composing the music and lyrics for the Broadway hit, “The Outsiders,” which won The 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical. George Pippen is an Indiana native “who went from managing stars on the road to becoming a rising country star in his own right.” With his “smoky voice,” blending elements of folk and pop with contemporary country music, George Pippen’s Top Tracks are: “Finest Thing,” “Indiana Knows My Name,” and “Rest of Our Life.” George recently posted this comment on Instagram; “I hope I never get over the excitement of releasing a new song. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who’s following along and streaming my music.” For more details regarding the abovementioned Musical Artists in The Tampa Pig Jig Line-Up, you can search here:
The 14th Annual Tampa Pig Jig is the area’s PREMIER Philanthropic Community Event and PROMISES to be full of FABULOUS FOOD, FUN, MUSICALITY, AND TOP-TIER BBQ! Named “Best Charity Event,” by Tampa Bay Magazine, the festival has become a fall-favorite for both locals and tourists alike! The combination of tantalizing BBQ, Fantastic Tunes by incredible artists, Games, A Silent Auction, Flavorsome Fare, Delectable Drinks, and a STELLAR VENUE forms a PERFECT AMALGAMATION!
Matt Nathanson posted the following on Instagram; “VERY psyched to be joining @megmoroney @midland @jamestownrevival @georgepippen at @tampapigjig on OCTOBER 18th…come hang with us at beautiful julian b lane waterfront park for a day of amazing music and LEGENDARY BBQ! I am gonna eat myself stupid!”
@tampapigjig posted these comments on Instagram; “We get it—waiting for the next Pig Jig feels like waiting for the grill to heat up. But hang tight, friends, because the BBQ, beers, and live music will be back before you know it. Who’s ready to turn up the tunes, crack a cold one, and make some more memories?”
Tampa Pig Jig announces, “FIRE UP SOME FUN- Whether you’re kickin’ it on the lawn or turning up the heat with an upgrade, we’ve got a ticket that fits your flavor. Ready to take your day and night to the next level? BACKYARD BASH and MILESTONE SUPPLY LOUNGE Tickets bring the perks—think exclusive lounges, acoustic sets, ice-cold drinks, tasty bites and sweet views of the main stage. They’re the smokin’ hot way to do Pig Jig right! NO MATTER HOW YOU PIG JIG, YOU’RE IN FOR A SMOKIN’ GOOD TIME FOR A GREAT CAUSE!”
GA- General Admission Tickets include: This All-Day Pass gets you through the gate and into the action: $125.00 per person
–Live music from chart-topping artists all day long
–Access to the Main Lawn, Food Row, and interactive sponsor activations
–Multiple cashless bars, concessions with BBQ Bites, and shopping at our exclusive Pig Jig Merch Tents, and more!
BACKYARD BASH EXPERIENCE Tickets include: This next-level ticket includes everything in the GA Ticket Package, plus exclusive access to our Backyard Bash: $250 per person
–Entry to our North Parking Lot Party, our exclusive second stage hangout
–A packed line-up of live acoustic music and pop-up experiences
–Access to an air-conditioned tent to cool off between sets, cashless full-service bar, and private bathrooms
–Tastings, Samplings, and that EXTRA BIT OF BBQ MAGIC
MILESTONE SUPPLY LOUNGE Tickets include: “This is The Pig Jig at its absolute peak. With your Milestone Pass, you’re getting the full VIP FLAVOR!” The $550 per person Tickets include:
–UNLIMITED delicious BBQ and Private Bars that are keeping the complimentary drinks flowing all-day long—yep, all you can eat and sip
–Exclusive access to The Milestone Supply Lounge with private bathrooms, shaded seating, and premium amenities
–Tastings and Samplings and exclusive partner activations
–Most importantly? Front-Row access to the Pig Jig Stage—right up-close to the artists you came to see
–Entry to all GA Areas- plenty of space to wander, dance and soak it all in
***Kids 10 and under get in FREE with a Ticketed Adult
***A Milestone Supply Lounge Ticket is the only Ticket option that includes a reserved front-of-stage viewing area
Tampa Pig Jig Merchandise is available for purchase right now on their website: www.tampapigjig.com “GET GEARED UP TO GRILL OUT! GET TAMPA PIG JIG-READY WITH OUR LATEST GEAR!”… Including T-shirts, hats, koozies, belts, dog collars, quarter zips, A PIG JIG 30 oz STANLEY, bandanas, and more! “The best part? Proceeds from your purchase go to benefit NephCure Kidney International and the fight against FSGS.” “Good People. BBQ & Live Music. All for a Great Cause.”
AND- quite apropos for concluding sentences: @TampaPigJig says; “MAY IS NATIONAL BBQ MONTH! And you KNOW we’re FIRED UP! Whether you’re Team Brisket, Ribs, or Butt, there’s NO WRONG WAY TO CELEBRATE!” Tickets for The Tampa Pig Jig become available to purchase on MAY 16th …. MAY 16th IS NATIONAL BBQ DAY!! COINCIDENCE? I THINK NOT!!! We have purchased our “BACKYARD BASH EXPERIENCE TICKETS” – who would like to JOIN US at this FINGER-LICKIN’, FLAVOROUS, DELECTABLE, AND SCRUMPTIOUS EVENT??? …And HAPPY MAY 16th!!!
