Birds, Brews & BBQ

Birds, Brews & BBQ

March 18, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s fun and friendly BBQ competition returns! Enjoy local BBQ, craft brews, and visit the birds of Sylvan Heights.

About this event

Nothing complements great Eastern North Carolina BBQ better than North Carolina craft beer! Local cooks will compete to be BBQ cook-off champion – try them all and vote for your favorites while sampling beverages from NC craft brewers and distillers. Your ticket includes admission to Sylvan Heights Bird Park, plus games, music, and more!



Vote for the 2023 BBQ Champion!

Bring a dollar (or more)!

The People’s Choice voting will double as a fundraiser for one of Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s latest projects! Votes will be cast with dollar bills, and the BBQ cook with the most dollars in their voting box at the end of the night will win the prize. You will need at least one dollar bill to cast your vote for your favorite BBQ, but larger denominations make your vote go further, and raise more funds for Sylvan Heights!

See the birds!

Your event ticket also includes admission to Sylvan Heights Bird Park beginning at 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. You are welcome to come early, tour the park, then enjoy some great beer and BBQ!

Attention BBQ cooks, brewers, and distillers!

If you would like to participate in this year’s event, please email our Events Coordinator at events@shwpark.com or call us at 252-826-3186.

Event FAQs

What does my ticket include? Can I see the birds at Sylvan Heights before the event?

Tickets include unlimited BBQ samples and unlimited beverage tastings (alcoholic beverages for ages 21+ only).  Your ticket also includes free admission to Sylvan Heights Bird Park beginning at 3:00 p.m on the day of the event, so you are welcome to arrive early, see the birds, then get ready to enjoy some great BBQ and beverages starting at 5:00 p.m.

How do I vote for the 2023 BBQ Champion?

The People’s Choice voting will double as a fundraiser for one of Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s latest projects! Votes will be cast with dollar bills, and the BBQ cook with the most dollars in their voting box at the end of the night will win the prize. You will need at least one dollar bill to cast your vote for your favorite BBQ, but larger denominations make your vote go further, and raise more funds for Sylvan Heights!

Where does this event take place?

Birds, Brews & BBQ takes place at Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s Toad Hall Pavilion and the surrounding area inside Sylvan Heights Bird Park.  This is an outdoor event that will proceed rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather that evening.

Where do I go when I arrive?

Please park in Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s main parking area or overflow parking area, then proceed to the Visitor Center (log cabin) to check in. Adults 21 and over will need to present a photo ID to receive a wristband for beer samples.

What is the refund policy if I can’t attend?

Sylvan Heights Bird Park will provide a refund for event tickets up to 7 days before the event. No ticket refunds will be issued after 5:00 p.m. on March 11, 2023. Eventbrite’s ticket fees can not be refunded at any time.  Refunds may be requested via Eventbrite, or by e-mailing events@shwpark.com.

What is the weather cancellation policy?  

Birds, Brews & BBQ  is an outdoor event that will take place rain or shine, and will not be rescheduled. Please plan to dress appropriately for the weather that evening.  In the unlikely occurrence that an extreme or dangerous weather event is in the forecast, Sylvan Heights Bird Park may choose to cancel Birds, Brews & BBQ and will issue refunds to attendees.  Attendees will be notified of cancellations and refund options by e-mail.

Thank you to our 2023 event sponsors!

Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Benefits include recognition on promotional materials and at the event, reserved tables, and more! Contact events@shwpark.com for more information.