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September 18-20, 2026

North Carolina State Fairgrounds

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2025 CELEB WAS FOOD NETWORK'S MICHAEL MIXON, BBQ PITMASTER

Check back closer to show for the 2026 Fall Celeb!

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CHECK BACK SOON FOR THE 2026 CELEB!

Taking the lead from his father, “the winningest man in barbecue,” Michael Mixon started his career in barbecue at an early age. He currently runs his own competition team, Jack’s New South, and permanent food truck (Mixon BBQ) in Athens, GA. Michael hosted of “BBQ Rig Race” on Food Network. He co-hosted Destination America’s “BBQ Rules” and “BBQ Pitmasters: Father vs. Son,” and has appeared on many other food television shows, including “BBQ USA” and “Kids' BBQ Championship.”

Michael Mixon is the youngest son to Barbeque legend Myron Mixon. Michael began his journey into barbecue in 1996 while traveling alongside his father on the competitive circuit and working part-time for Myron's championship award winning team, Jack's Old South. In 2011, Michael founded a new competitive team with a wink towards his father's legacy, Jack's New South. Armed with the knowledge and know-how of four generations of Mixons manning the pits before him and his father's "hammy down" equipment, Michael's team quickly garnered attention. In 2012, they became the youngest ever team to be awarded Georgia BBQ Team of the Year and ranked 26th overall out of 10,000 teams. Having proven himself, Myron quickly hired Michael back to oversee Jack's Old South and ensure its continued and legendary success.

Michael currently resides in his hometown of Unadilla, Georgia. In 2015, Michael founded the Unadilla New Year’s Eve Hog Drop. Celebrating its 10th year, the Hog Drop has also evolved into a BBQ competition with over 40 teams competing.

Michael will be appearing on the Fresh Ideas Stage on Friday, September 12th at 3 PM & Saturday, September 13th at 1 PM! Located in the Jim Graham Building. Check back for a complete Fresh Ideas Stage Schedule closer to the show!

2025 Appearance by Sam Jones BBQ

CHECK BACK CLOSER TO SHOW FOR 2026 LINEUP! Live Demos & BBQ Samples from your local favorites on stage!

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CHECK BACK CLOSER TO SHOW FOR 2026 LINEUP!

Sam Jones BBQ opened its doors in 2015 but the traditions that our restaurant was founded on began long before that. Around these parts, we know East North Carolina BBQ means cooking a whole hog over a wood-fired pit. As Sam Jones’ grandad used to say, “If it’s not cooked with wood, it’s not BBQ.” That’s how we feel, too, which is why we continue the legacy of whole-hog cooking, never compromising on quality and always doing it the right way. Today, you’ll find those old traditions mixed in with a few new ones we’ve cooked up over the years. We hope you’ll come by for a meal real soon because the best thing about cookin’ BBQ is the community it creates.

See Sam Jones BBQ live on the Fresh Ideas Stage Friday, September 12th at 4 PM! Located in the Jim Graham building.

Fresh Ideas Stage

Celebrity speakers, gardening talks, home improvement demos, and more!

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

Fall is here and there's plenty to do in the garden!

PRESENTED BY:

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FOOD TRUCK COURTYARD

Enjoy food trucks and yard games daily between our two buildings in the courtyard!

PARTICIPATING TRUCKS:

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BRIGHT BEANS COFFEE COMPANY

Needing a coffee fix? Stop by Bright Beans Coffee Company's truck inside the Jim Graham building all three days of the show!

PRESENTED BY:

FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE

TOUCH OF HOME MARKET

Unique finds, home decor, pantry provisions, gifts, teas, and treats!

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VISIT, STAMP, & WIN!

Get your stamp card at the show entrance for a chance to win a Dinner for Two!

CHANCE TO WIN A GIFT CARD FOR:

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KIDS' SCAVENGER HUNT

Kids 12 & under can have some extra interactive fun at the show as they mark off their scavenger hunt card & turn it in for a prize!

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Show Features

2025 CELEB WAS FOOD NETWORK'S MICHAEL MIXON, BBQ PITMASTER

2025 Appearance by Sam Jones BBQ

Fresh Ideas Stage

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

FOOD TRUCK COURTYARD

BRIGHT BEANS COFFEE COMPANY

TOUCH OF HOME MARKET

VISIT, STAMP, & WIN!

KIDS' SCAVENGER HUNT

FREE HERO ADMISSION

FREE TEACHER ADMISSION

NURSES ADMITTED FREE