MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. — A sold-out barbecue festival drew 1,000 guests and generated a record $132,000 to support international clean water and education programs this month, marking the strongest fundraising year yet for a growing local tradition.
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According to event organizers, the sixth edition of the 30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, took place on November 7 at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Thirteen regional and local restaurants and catering companies competed for the title of “Best BBQ,” offering unlimited samples to attendees throughout the evening.
Participating vendors included 3 Sons Bar-B-Q, Back Beach Barbecue, Bayside Café, Cajun Corner, Evie Mae’s Barbecue, The Gulf Club, Island Wing Company, Local Smoke at The Big Chill, Moe’s Original BBQ, Sons of AMVETS Post 29, Swiftly Catered, Uncle KÜ’s BBKÜ, and The Village Door.
Sons of AMVETS Post 29 won first place in the People’s Choice Awards, followed by Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue in second and 3 Sons Bar-B-Q in third.
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In the Judge’s Choice division, Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue earned “Best BBQ,” while Back Beach Barbecue received the new “Most Creative” award.
“All of the BBQ Competitors are winners in our book,” said Chad Zibelman, CEO of The Sonder Project.
“Each one donated their time and food to participate, and we are grateful for their support to help us empower communities in Africa.”
Guests were welcomed through the Builders First Source Lounge, which Emerald Coast Florals and Event Design outfitted. Once inside the lawn area, attendees enjoyed live music from River Dan on the main stage, sponsored by David Scott Lee Buick GMC, along with craft beer from Grayton Beer Company, wine from The 30A Company, and water from Grand Boulevard.
Beverages were served at the Heritage 850 Plumbing & Gas Bar.
Festivalgoers also visited an interactive photo booth sponsored by Blankenship Watkins Advisory Group: Christie’s International Real Estate – Emerald Coast.
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New for 2025, attendees browsed local vendors, including The 30A Company, Action Audio Visual, Bad Cards for Good Golfers, and Dozer Custom Trucker Hats. Artist Lindsay Tobias of Art by Doman created a Sonder Project–dedicated piece live during the event, later auctioned as part of the silent auction.
Other auction items included vacation stays, gift cards, catered dinners, jewelry, and a variety of donated goods.
VIP guests enjoyed a private space presented by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Agency of Northwest Florida Beaches, and Hotel Effie. The VIP area featured a bonfire, s’mores, reserved seating, dessert from Kilwins Sandestin courtesy of SOJO, an exclusive photo booth sponsored by Esteem Wealth Partners, and gifts from Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa.
Specialty cocktails were poured by Tipsy Mule and featured spirits from 30A Distilling, Campesino Rum, Distillery 98, and Penta Tequila, along with drinks from Birdie’s Cocktails and Palm Folly Hard Seltzer.
“The 30A BBQ Festival at Grand Boulevard is an event you just can’t miss,” said Jenny Taylor, general manager of Grand Boulevard.
“The event was better than imagined, from the BBQ to local beer and spirits, and the live music from River Dan was perfection. A beautiful turnout all for an incredible cause, The Sonder Project. Grand Boulevard will continue to share our venue with this impactful event.”
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Event organizers said all proceeds, including ticket sales, silent auction revenue, and donations, will support The Sonder Project’s international efforts. The organization focuses on sustainable development in West and Southeast Africa through access to clean water, education sponsorships, and agricultural programs.
According to The Sonder Project, the $132,000 raised will support clean water initiatives that currently serve over 68,000 people through wells and solar water systems. It will also help fund education for more than 200 students annually and support operations at a community farm that serves over 1,000 people.
“This year, The Sonder Project is celebrating our 10-year anniversary, and we can’t think of a better way to mark this milestone than a record-breaking BBQ Festival that will help us continue to transform more lives,” Zibelman said.
“We are so grateful for the strong community support from the 30A area to make this possible. See you next year!”
Organizers thanked a long list of partners and sponsors supporting this year’s festival, including 20/30north Studios, The 30A Company, 30A Distilling, 30A Girls Who Eat, 30A Hat Bar, 30A Power Yoga, 360 Blue, Ambrosia, Barker Williams & Shoreline Title, Bay Area Awards, Beard Equipment, Boshamps, Bracken Law, Cafe Thirty-A, Cantina Laredo, Christopher Holbrook, Cinders and Salt, Community Bank, Costa McDonald’s, Cultural Art Alliance, EZ-PZ Recycling, Fine Coastal Cuisine Professional Chef Services, Fore Her, Hufham Farris, Jake’s Beach Service, Jeremy Walton, Jonah Allen, Kendra Scott, Life Media, Lisa Rogers Photography, Mary Beth Myrick, Myst 30A, Optikk 30A, Panache Tent and Event, Pure and Couture, Regatta Bay, Restaurant Paradis, Romanski Electric, Royal Destinations, Serenity Smiles, Stallworth, Studio Thirty-A, Supreme Paper, The 850 Foodie, To Do In Destin, VIE Magazine, VIP 30A Magazine, VIP Destin Magazine, Visit South Walton, and YOLO.
