For the eighth consecutive year, Giant Food will be the title sponsor of the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle, which is set for June 24-25 in Washington D.C.
Now in its 31st year, the event benefits USO National Capital District, the Capital Area Food Bank and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area. Spanning six city blocks across Pennsylvania Avenue, it will feature barbecue samples, live music, special announcements, cooking competitions and family-friendly exhibits.
“Giant has hosted the National Capital Barbecue Battle since 2016 and this year will be the biggest to date with more food and fun than ever,” said Ira Kress, president of the Landover, Maryland-based retailer, which was The Griffin Report of the Northeast’s Retailer of the Year for 2022.
“It’s truly an honor to host our community as we kick-off the summer, and we are excited to play an active role in helping raise money for several of our key community partners across the region.”
Additional highlights include:
- With a 1990’s theme, The Monster’s Energy 90’s Block Party will host DJ Jazzy Jeff at 2:30 p.m. June 24, as well as custom street art by graffiti artist MEME and BMX biking stunts.
- The Pepsi Lays Go-Go Stage will highlight go-go music and local bands in partnership with the DC Mayor’s “Art to Go-Go” initiative of reenergizing downtown D.C. The stage will host bands like Raheem DeVaughn and The Crank Crusaders and Mambo Sauce.
- The Taste of Giant Sampling Pavilion will offer a variety of free barbecue and grilled food samples throughout the weekend. The pavilion will celebrate flavors from around the world as international chefs prepare dishes with a selection of exotic produce from Giant. The special attractions will include D.C.’s annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, the Beyond Meat BBQ Championship and the Military Chef Cook-Off benefiting USO National Capital District.
- The retailer’s team of in-store pharmacists will be present at the Giant Health and Wellness booth offering health screenings, immunization reviews, cholesterol checks, medication reviews and free vaccines. They will also be partnering with brands like Pfizer, TUMS and Coppertone to hand out samples.
- Giant supports local farmers through a partnership with the American Farmland Trust’s Brighter Future Fund. The fund launched in 2020 through a partnership with Tillamook County Creamery Association. AFT and TCCA will be at the event offering grilled cheese samples and sharing information and resources about grant opportunities.
When customers buy two participating products at Giant in June, they will receive a “Buy One, Get One” ticket offer.
In addition, tickets to the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle are available online or at the event entrance.
General admission is $20 for a one-day pass and $30 for a two-day pass. Admission is free for children younger than 12 when accompanied by an adult.
