SMOKE ON THE WATER
5 p.m., NLR Riverside Park, $5.
Very few things have the power to both unite and divide people as
instantly and astringently as barbecue. Wet v. dry, mustard v. vinegar
v. tomato: for meat jockeys and foodies alike, these are opinions as
intensely held as those regarding Roe v. Wade. (Check out the comments
section on “Sauce Wars, Cont.” on the Times’ Eat Arkansas blog for
proof.) Food sociology aside, this will be a massive gathering of
career pitmasters alongside weekend meatmen, all hazing the park with a
smoky mosaic of slow cooked swine, poultry and beef. Friday, local
cover bands perform in the evening. On Saturday, the festival continues
at noon. There’s music all day, along with carnival and hot air balloon
rides. Saturday night, Jersey Shore by way of Myrtle Beach duo LoCash
Cowboys (8 p.m.) and hillbilly rapper Colt Ford (9:30 p.m.) provide a
soundtrack to the gluttony. Bring your appetites, your Tums and best
shop talk.