BBQ Legend Sweet Baby Ray to Headline Smokin on Main Festival in Collinsville, Illinois
COLLINSVILLE, IL (StLouisRestaurantReview) – The scent of slow-smoked meats, tangy barbecue sauces, and hickory wood smoke will once again take over Uptown Collinsville as the Smokin on Main BBQ Festival returns for its ninth year. Taking place Saturday, July 26, from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday, July 27, from 11 AM to 5 PM, this beloved event draws grillmasters, food enthusiasts, and music lovers from across the St. Louis Metro East region.
Organized by Code 3 Spices in partnership with Laura Buick GMC Trucks, the 2025 Smokin’ on Main event is expected to attract thousands of attendees eager to sample top-tier barbecue, enjoy live entertainment, and experience community-focused fun. One of the weekend’s main highlights is the rare public appearance of BBQ sauce icon Dave “Sweet Baby Ray” Raymond, who will greet fans at Heritage Sports Bar & Grill on Saturday from 1 PM to 2 PM.
Sweet Baby Ray Makes a Special Appearance
This year’s festival gains an extra layer of flavor with the scheduled appearance of Dave Raymond, the original creator of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce—the best-selling BBQ sauce brand in the country. Raymond will host an exclusive meet-and-greet at Heritage Sports Bar & Grill, located at 118 E. Main Street in Collinsville.
During this special one-hour session, fans can meet the BBQ legend, take photos, and purchase autographed bottles of his famous sauce. All proceeds from the event will benefit two local causes: the U.S. Veterans Foundation and the Collinsville Food Pantry, reflecting the event’s commitment to giving back to the community.
Heritage Sports Bar & Grill, which opened earlier this summer, offers a modern sports bar experience with a full-service bar, multiple TVs, and an expansive patio. Hosting Sweet Baby Ray adds to its rising reputation as a central gathering place in Uptown Collinsville.
Savor the Flavors of Championship BBQ
The heart of Smokin’ on Main lies in its fierce BBQ competition. Some of the region’s top pitmasters and backyard barbecue teams will fire up their smokers to compete in categories including ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and brisket. With judges evaluating taste, texture, and creativity, attendees can expect top-notch culinary craftsmanship.
Many competitors and vendors will offer samples and full-size portions for purchase, making this event a BBQ lover’s paradise. If you’re hunting for smoky, tender, and flavor-packed meats, this is the place to be.
In addition to the competition, a Vendor Row featuring grilling gear, specialty seasonings, rubs, sauces, and food-related products will line Main Street. Collinsville BBQ Supply, a local grilling specialty retailer, will also be present with their full range of smoking accessories and culinary products.
Live Music and Family-Friendly Festivities
Smokin’ on Main offers more than just food. It’s a full-scale celebration with live music, cold beverages, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The entertainment lineup includes:
- Saturday, July 26 – Revival (Rainn & Jordan) brings a soulful tribute to Zach Bryan, creating a lively soundtrack for a day of food and fun.
- Sunday, July 27 – Johnny Rockitt & The Double Wide Symphony and the ever-popular The Shirts round out the weekend with feel-good performances.
Ice-cold drinks from local and national brands will be available throughout the event. Nearby restaurants and bars will also remain open to serve guests looking to escape the summer heat or dine indoors.
Free Admission and Accessible Parking
Smokin’ on Main is free to attend, making it an accessible event for families, food enthusiasts, and barbecue enthusiasts of all ages. While admission is complimentary, food and beverages are available for purchase from individual vendors. Most vendors accept credit and debit cards, but carrying cash can be helpful for faster transactions.
Main Street in Uptown Collinsville will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Attendees are encouraged to use public parking lots, designated event parking, or nearby side street options.
Supporting Local Causes
Beyond the celebration and competition, Smokin’ on Main serves a greater mission. Proceeds from the weekend’s events—including the Sweet Baby Ray meet-and-greet—will support the U.S. Veterans Foundation, which helps military veterans with housing, healthcare, and community reintegration, as well as the Collinsville Food Pantry, a vital resource for families facing food insecurity.
By attending the festival and purchasing from participating vendors, guests contribute directly to these causes, adding purpose to every plate.
Plan Your Visit
For the ultimate experience, visitors are encouraged to:
- Arrive early, especially on Saturday, to enjoy a full day of food and festivities.
- Visit Heritage Sports Bar & Grill at 1 PM on Saturday to meet Sweet Baby Ray and support local charities.
- Explore Vendor Row for unique sauces, grilling tools, and local artisan goods.
- Bring the whole family, as the event includes activities and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster, a BBQ sauce collector, or just someone who loves good food and live music, Smokin’ on Main is the can’t-miss event of the summer in the Metro East. With its mix of community spirit, charitable purpose, and unforgettable flavors, this two-day festival has firmly established itself as a Midwest tradition.
For more event details, parking maps, and updates, visit SmokinOnMain.com.
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