Bayou BBQ Bash

Slow and steady wins the race in this International Barbecue Cookers Association competition, that sets the area beneath the Highway 90 bridge to smoking. Competitors should come armed with their homemade rubs and marinades—and a thirst to prove themselves. (An appetite will come in handy, too.) Categories include pork spare ribs, brisket, and chicken. In addition to the competitive cooking events for corporations, teams, and kids, Saturday offers a full schedule of chances to devour tasty things from highly regarded barbecue vendors, a Kids Zone, booths for arts & crafts and quilting, live music in the evenings, and on and on. Festivities start with a kick-off party Thursday evening; live music and the sauce and dessert competition start Friday night at 6 pm; and the festival kicks into full gear on Saturday from 12:30 pm on, under the Highway 90 bridge in Morgan City. cajuncoast.com.