As an official Georgia BBQ Championship tour event, the Classic City BBQ Festival brings together all the 'cue hounds around for a weekend of cook-offs, tastings, live entertainment and kids’ activities.  Warming up the two-day, family-friendly fest on Friday at 5 p.m., eight teams will face off in a Restaurant Iron Chef Competition along Foundry Street as Quig & the Boys perform on the outdoor stage. Two additional competitions will be held on Saturday; over 30 professionals will compete in pulled-pork, chicken, pork ribs and beef brisket, and an additional 15 teams will compete in a Backyard Contest. BBQ lovers are encouraged to vote for their favorites in the People's Choice Award Tasting from 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. The Grand Hall between 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. offers a break from the heat with over a dozen cars in The Classic Car Show and 40 vendors in a Tailgate Tradeshow. Clay Leverett and John Neff, 90 Acre Farm and Pseudo will perform on the outdoor stage, and 14 food vendors will be on hand serving up plenty of BBQ throughout the day. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

5:30–7:30 p.m. (Friday), 10:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. (Saturday). $3 -10. www.classiccenter.com