What’s New at Whistlestop Weekend?
- Live music, BBQ competition, & food trucks!
- 2-day event will be held August 13-14
- Get tickets at www.whistlestopweekend.com
The 20th annual Whistlestop Weekend is back after a short hiatus last year due to Covid. This two-day festival is all about barbecue, live music, and raising funds for one of our favorite places – the Earlyworks Children’s Museum in downtown Huntsville! You’ll notice some changes this year, so read on before you go!
What’s New at Whistlestop Weekend
The Location, Date, and Price!
In the past, Whistlestop Weekend was held in May, but this year’s event has been moved to August. There’s a new lower ticket price too – admission is just $10 per day!
Plus, the Whistlestop outgrew its previous location at the Historic Huntsville Depot, so they are making the jump to a new venue with lots more space. Just follow the hickory smell of barbecue in the air to John Hunt Park off of Airport Road. It’s the perfect year for a bigger space to spread out and not be so packed in. And parking will be a breeze!
More Chances to Get a Little Taste
Also new this year are even MORE opportunities for you to sample the amazing barbecue at Whistlestop Weekend! Tickets include public tasting events that will be held Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
Whistlestop Wing Thing – On Friday the public will decide who’s chicken wings will reign supreme! Public judging will take place Friday evening from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, and prizes will be awarded for 1st -3rd Places.
Mayor’s Cup Competition – New this year, the public will vote on their favorite samples with special token designated for True Favorites
People’s Choice Awards – Everyone attending WhistleStop on Saturday between Noon and 2pm will have a chance to “put your money where your mouth is!” Many of the backyard cooking teams competing in the Shadetree Competition will have Boston butt samples available for you to taste! Vote for your favorite by placing cash in the jar provided at their cook-site. The team with the most money will be announced as the People’s Choice Award winner during the Awards Presentations at 8:15 p.m. on the main stage.
Food Trucks will be on hand to make sure there’s something cooking for everyone… there’s even a vegan option!
New Music at Whistlestop
One of the best entertainment line-ups at Whistlestop will include everything from traditional rock to southern rock to country and bluegrass. Acts for WhistleStop 2021 include tributes to Santana, The Doobie Brothers, Tom Petty and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Other bands performing at WhistleStop are JedEye, Brad & Clint, Triple Play, Randy Waller & Company and Bubbanauts. Festival goers will be able to sing along with all the bands and enjoy the party atmosphere! CLICK HERE to see the full schedule & set times.
[sws_blue_box box_size=”630″]Pro-Tip: Come early and bring your lawn chairs and bug spray to find a good spot to enjoy the music. [/sws_blue_box]No Family Fun Zone
Unfortunately, another change to Whistlestop Weekend this year is the absence of the Family Fun Zone. But for parents of kids that love the Earlyworks Family of Museums, it’s a great date night that also supports one of their kid’s favorite places in Huntsville. All proceeds go towards STEM programs and projects at the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum. So you can eat all the barbecue you want, guilt-free!
Whistlestop Weekend 2021
When: August 13-14, 2021
Where: John Hunt Park, Huntsville (map)
Cost: $10 per day – skip the line and get advanced tickets!
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Rocket City Mom is a website about raising children in and around Huntsville, Alabama. Started in late 2010 by a local mom and newcomer to Huntsville, Rocket City Mom has grown into a thriving community of local parents and now boasts a staff of four, thirteen regular contributors, and tens of thousands of Tennessee Valley readers making it the #1 Parenting Resource in North Alabama.