Finger-licking food, fun at Cedar Rapids BBQ Roundup

Eight national vendors that will put their best BBQ foot forward at the 25th annual Cedar Rapids BBQ Rounduptoday (6/21) through Sunday (6/24). Vendors include returning favorites Famous Dave's, Porky-N-Beans, Willingham's BBQ, Texas Thunder, Chicago BBQ Co. and Big Boned BBQ Co. Carolina Rib King, who has been featured on Destination America Channel's “BBQ Pitmasters,” and Cowboy's Barbeque & Rib Co. are new to this year's event.

This year's BBQ Roundup will be at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Second Street SE across from the new Federal Courthouse Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. 7 p.m.

Admission is $3 except on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when admission is free. The BBQ Bandwagon, a shuttle throughout downtown to the fest, will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on those days. Children under 12 are always free.

In addition to the food and beer garden, daily activities including Wowballs - balls that allow you walk on water - and Body Bumperz balls along with a caricature artist and face painting. Patrons can register to win a Green Mountain WoodFire grill from The Grill Works in Marion.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Cedar Rapids Titansare sponsoring a Family Fun Zone from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The roundup also features live music.

Country artist Josh Gracin will take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Additional coverage:

• American Idol alum Josh Gracin performs at BBQ Roundup

Dueling Pianos artists Dean Madonia and Perry Barton will perform on Friday from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Local bands performing throughout the festival include Lady Lowe, Soul Fusion, 8 Seconds, Mark Moss, Cedar Island Band, Billy Lee Janey, Magnetos, Matthew Kane and the Band Greenbrier and Stranded in Iowa.