Kannapolis invites you to get jiggy with the piggy once more this spring! Celebrating 10 years, the Jiggy with the Piggy Festival returns from May 2-5, 2024, featuring renowned barbeque tastings, food trucks, vendors, kid-friendly activities, and much more. This year, over 50 barbeque teams from across the nation will compete to win the top prize with their best recipes, making it one of the largest events sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. And the best part? Attendees get to sample them all!
Jiggy with the Piggy Festival
May 2-5, 2024
Downtown Kannapolis, N.C.
Remember, the festival is not just for the foodies, it's for everyone! The festivities will be held at 125 North Research Campus Drive in the heart of Downtown Kannapolis. And the best part? Admission is absolutely free! So, come and join us in celebrating this delectable festival, a proud tradition at the Cabarrus/Rowan County line.
Finger Licking BBQ
Get ready for an authentic barbeque experience! For just $10, you can buy a ticket for the People’s Choice Pork Tasting Contest, sample unique BBQ recipes, and cast your vote for the best one! Beyond the contest, expect plenty of unique dishes from food trucks and local vendors around the festival grounds, including members of the Kannapolis Firefighter’s Association, who will showcase their BBQ skills to raise money for local causes.
On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!
Feeling energetic? Lace-up your running shoes, don your best pig-themed costume, and join the annual Jiggy 5K race! The Jiggy apparel store will also be there, offering a variety of festival merchandise perfect for your race day outfit.
Country Music Celebration with Craig Morgan
This year’s festival includes a free concert by country music superstar Craig Morgan, helping us celebrate its 10th anniversary at the North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Morgan brings his hits like “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That's What I Love About Sunday” to the festival’s stage.
Family Friendly Festivities
The Jiggy with the Piggy Festival believes in fun for the whole family. Their dedicated kids' zone includes plenty of family-friendly entertainment like games, prizes, performances, and sweet treats. For the shoppers among us, over 100 vendors will sell locally-made arts and crafts. As the festival winds down, don’t forget to grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the annual fireworks display to cap off a great festival.
Jiggy with the Piggy Festival Schedule 2024
Thursday, May 2
2 - 7 p.m. - BBQ Competition Teams Arrive
4 - 7 p.m. - Kannapolis Farmers Market Opens for the Season – corner of Dale Earnhardt Boulevard & Vance Avenue
6:30 p.m. - Jiggy 5K Run - on the North Carolina Research Campus. Registration Opens Soon.
Friday, May 3
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - BBQ Competition Teams Arrive
5 p.m. - Jiggy Festival Opens - North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe
Food, Arts & Crafts, Kids Zone, Carnival Rides, and More
Rides are $2/$10 wristband
7:30 p.m. - Country Music Superstar Craig Morgan Performs the Jiggy Concert - Free Admission - North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe
9 p.m. - Drone Show
9 p.m. - Jiggy Festival Closes
Saturday, May 4
KCBS BBQ Competition - Throughout the day the professional barbeque teams compete for top awards and money prizes.
7 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Y Service Club Pancake Breakfast – YMCA Kannapolis
9 a.m. - Jiggy Festival Opens to the Public – North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe
Food, Arts & Crafts, Kids Zone, Music, Carnival Rides, and More
Saturday Kids Zone will feature a new Ninja Course.
Rides are $2/$10 wristband
Noon - 2 p.m. People's Choice - Pork Tasting (while supplies last) – North Carolina Research Campus Horseshoe
(Look for the signs and the white tent) Proceeds Benefit the Kannapolis YMCA, Kannapolis Rotary Club and the Kannapolis Youth Council. Festival attendees can purchase blocks of ten (10) samples for $10.
5 p.m. - Jiggy Festival Closes
Sunday, May 5
KCBS BBQ Competition - Throughout the day the professional barbeque teams compete for top awards and money prizes.
Jiggy with the Piggy Festival Map 2024
Map & schedule by the City of Kannapolis