Historic Northwest BBQ Brews & Blues Returns for Its 11th Year September 5

The 11th Annual Historic Northwest BBQ Brews & Blues returns to West Palm Beach on Saturday, September 5, running 5 to 9 p.m. at Heart & Soul Park, 825 N. Rosemary Ave. The free, family-friendly celebration is organized by the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to spotlight the city's Historic Northwest neighborhood.

Music takes center stage at the Fire Up the Groove stage, on the corner of Henrietta Avenue and 7th Street. West Palm Beach's own Derek Mack Band opens the night from 5 to 7 p.m. with a mix of R&B, soul, and funk, before internationally acclaimed Florida blues guitarist Selwyn Birchwood closes out the evening from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

On the food side, South Florida barbecue restaurants and food trucks will compete in a BBQ Throwdown for $1,500 in prize money, with judges awarding first place $1,000 and the event trophy. Attendees get a say too, casting votes for a $500 People's Choice winner, and local first responders will face off in a 60-minute Fire Grill Drill, with the winning station earning a $500 donation to the charity of its choice.

Kids' activities fill out the Fire Up the Fun area, including a Kids Play Pit with stories and games, a Smokehouse Storybook play area where children can dress up barbecue-themed characters, a Pin the Tail on the Piggie game, face painting, giant bubbles, and a Heart & Soul Firehouse where kids can meet first responders and check out a fire truck. Rohi's Readery will also host live storytelling and a fan-decorating activity at "The Front Porch."

You can find more information at WBP.org.