The Hinesville Area Arts Council will have its 14th annual Blues, Brews and BBQ in downtown Hinesville on Saturday.

The entertainment and food lasts from 1 to 11 p.m.

Besides a BBQ cooking contest, there will be barbecue sales and other food vendors, sidewalk chalk art and activities for children, a beer garden and lots of live music.

Here are some quick tips about attending:
Strollers, blankets and chairs are allowed.
Outside coolers are not allowed.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed.
Most vendors are cash only. There are numerous ATMs within walking distance.
It’s September and it could be hot. There are some tents provided and a few shaded areas.
There is free parking throughout downtown Hinesville.
The festival is behind the shops on Main Street, literally in a parking lot behind the Coastal Courier, New & Not and other businesses. Just off of MLK Jr Drive.
Public BBQ sales begin at 1 p.m. when the music also starts.
The People’s Choice contest, your chance to have a vote in the winner begins at 4.
It is free to attend the festival, however drinks and food, including the People’s Choice competition, and some children’s activities do cost.
Beer will be available to those with photo ID only as proof of age.
There is not a wide variety of food because it is a BBQ festival. If you don’t like BBQ you might want to eat prior to the event. There are limited other vendors.

During the event, wooden nickels can be purchased for $2 each, or $5 for three, and will allow event-goers to sample BBQ from contestants. The nickels will then be used to cast a vote for categories of best pork, chicken and ribs.

For more information, visit www.hinesvillearts.com or find the arts council on Facebook. Blues, Brews and BBQ was featured in Explore Georgia’s 2017 culinary guide, Georgia Eats.

This year’s sponsors include Webster University, the Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority; Fort Stewart MWR; United Healthcare; Coldwell Banker Holtzman, Realtors; Ng Photography; the LaQuinta Inn and Suites, The Heritage Bank and Hinesville Takeout Express.