LAKELAND, FL — The aroma of barbecue and the sound of live music return to Lakeland tonight as the 29th Annual Lakeland Pigfest kicks off at the SUN ’n FUN Expo Campus, running January 23–24, 2026.
According to the event’s website, the Lakeland Pigfest has donated more than one million dollars in unrestricted funds to local charities since its beginnings in 1997, made possible through continued community support. Local nonprofit organizations provide the manpower to host the event and are looking forward to helping grow what organizers describe as Florida’s preeminent barbecue contest.
The Lakeland Pigfest Board of Directors will be joined by more than 150 competition barbecue teams for a weekend focused on benefiting Lakeland-area charities.
Admission is $5, and children 12 years old and younger are admitted free. Attendees can purchase food using Pig Bucks, the official currency of Lakeland Pigfest, available at booths located near the entrance and throughout the event. Organizers say food purchases from competition teams support both the teams and local charities.
SOURCE: LAKELAND PIGFEST WEBSITE
