Redland Blues and Barbecue Festival
Apr 2, 2022
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
$10
After a brief hiatus, the Redland Blues and Barbecue Festival is bringing its smoky aromas and sultry sounds back to the Fruit & Spice Park on April 2, 2022. For lovers of all things grilled and gritty, there’s no better event around, where live country and blues music is paired with award-winning barbecue for a full day of sticky, sweet fun.
The festival is among the annual highlights in Homestead, a rural area about 30 miles southwest of Downtown Miami, where pit masters from throughout the region gather to serve up their greatest creations. The event also features a daylong lineup of country and blues music, as well as a variety of kids’ activities.
What is there to do at the Redland Blues and BBQ Festival?
The setup is simple: Visitors pay a $10 entrance fee. Once inside, you can enjoy all the live music at no additional charge. Attendees can purchase delicious barbecue from food trucks set up through the park’s 37 acres, with hot, smoky ribs, chicken, turkey, brisket and other classic barbecue favorites.
An all-star lineup of bands will perform at the live music stage from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Previous years have also included a classic car show – and even a bike-in – but no word as of press time if that will be the case in 2022.
Kids will also find plenty of activities, which in past years have included pony rides.
How do I get to the Redland Blues and BBQ Festival?
The Redland Blues and BBQ festival is held at the Fruit & Spice Park. It’s most easily accessed via Florida’s Turnpike, exiting at Southwest 184th Street/Eureka Drive. From there, head west to Krome Avenue and turn left. Take Krome Avenue to Coconut Plum Drive and turn right. The park is a couple of blocks up on the left. Of course, you may want to consult any map applications for current traffic conditions.
What else is there to do near the Fruit & Spice Park?
Homestead is primarily rural farmland (including a handful of you-pick berry farms). You can easily add to the excitement of your visit at these nearby attractions and parks.
Not far away, you’ll find the famous cinnamon rolls at Knaus Berry Farm. They’re a local delicacy, so be prepared for a long line.
You can visit Schnebly Redland’s Winery and its attached Miami Brewing Company for a look at how Miami does fermented beverages (think: avocado and mango wines).
The milkshakes at the Robert Is Here fruit stand are the stuff of local legend. If you’re stopping in for one, be sure to visit the farm to see some animals with big personalities.
Both Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park have entrances a short drive from the festival. If you’re up for some hiking, the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park has a number of trails. If you’re up for some water sports, head over to Biscayne National Park’s Visitors Center, and paddleboard your way through the mangroves.
By: Matthew Meltzer | March 2, 2022