JJ Gray & Mofro is headlining WhistleStop BBQ Festival on Saturday, October 21st! Friday we will have The Dave Anderson Project
Eric Michael Taylor, and header Carver Commodore. Saturday we will have The Silver Silos,The Stepdads, Ben Loftin & The Family, and Joslyn & the Sweet Compression leading up to JJ Gray & Mofro. 

Make sure to bring your own folding chair/blanket to sit on in the grassy area in front of the stage. 

WhistleStop, the Rocket City BBQ Festival, has been a beloved North Alabama tradition since 2001. As a primary fundraising event for the EarlyWorks Children's Museum, the festival raises funds allowing EarlyWorks to expand its offerings and better serve the community over the years. After announcing its end last year, we are excited to announce –

WHISTLESTOP IS BACK!  Paying out more money to our Backyard/ShadeTree Competition BBQ Teams than before! 

Mark your calendars for October 20th & 21st, when a reimagined version of WhistleStop returns for its 23rd year. Locally headquartered Huntsville company, Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3), takes over executive sponsorship and production of WhistleStop for the benefit of EarlyWorks. The new home for WhistleStop is the newly developed and popular MidCity District. In keeping with WhistleStop as a premier fundraiser for the EarlyWorks Children's Museum, i3 is committed to producing a first-class event for the community while raising money to support the exciting new strategic initiative to ‘reimagine’ the EarlyWorks Children's Museum. 

EarlyWorks seeks to create a one-of-a-kind science and museum-based experience providing incredible hands-on STEAM experiences for the youngest learners in our North Alabama community. The EarlyWorks plan calls for remodeling the current museum into a state-of-the-art, professionally designed museum offering STEAM-based play-and-learn spaces. "We Imagine an EarlyWorks where children are busy in a lab-like setting, tinkering and creating. Professionals guide the children as they interact with high-tech tools, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and robotics, and open-ended imagining, testing, and problem-solving are at the core of the children's efforts”, stated EarlyWorks Executive Director Bart Williams. i3 CEO Rich Kretzschmar shared, “We are excited to contribute to the continued investment in growing our future generations’ curiosity in STEAM.” 

Gates Open:

Friday, October 20th from 4 PM- 11 PM

Saturday, October 21st from 11 AM- 11 PM

Ticket Prices increase at the Gates; Gates are CASHLESS but cash/cards will be accepted in the Festival:

Fri., Oct. 20th at the Gate is $20

Sat., Oct. 21st at the Gate is $30

Weekend Pass for Fri., Oct. 20th & Sat., Oct. 21st at the Gate is $40

Children 12 and under are FREE and Parking is FREE

All Tickets Include: (With the exception of People's Choice, it's ONLY Saturday)

The Main Music Stage- Featuring JJ Gray & Mofro Saturday night as the headliner! Experience the Vibrant Melodies of Live Tunes – Join us at the Main Music Stage for a delightful blend of music that will have you tapping your toes and grinning from ear to ear. Immerse yourself in the soothing tones spirited rhythms of southern soul-rock, the timeless tunes of country, and the unforgettable classics of rock. As you savor the aromatic wafts of barbeque prepared by over 50 talented teams, there's no finer spot to revel in these musical delights. The stage is conveniently situated just beyond the barbeque team area, and access is included with your general admission ticket.  MUSIC Friday, 5 PM-11 PM and Saturday 11 AM- 11 PM. 

The People’s Choice Tasting –  People's Choice is the only option for the Festival Ticket Holders to taste the BBQ that the Competion Cooks are cooking, so don't miss it! ONLY Saturday, from 4 PM to 6 PM, the amateur division, better known as the Shadetree Barbeque Teams will let you sample and judge the pork they are smoking. This competition raises money for STEAM education initiatives at the EarlyWorks Children’s Museum. Use your wooden token received at entrance or donate with cash/check. $1/Token equals 1 vote…this competition gets serious. Located in the Shadetree BBQ area that is situated inside the festival grounds. You may also make a donation to your favorite team with Cash or Check to help them win our NEW EarlyWorks Cup! Donations are taken Friday and Saturday. 

Food Vendor Alley— Bring on the good food! Food Vendor Alley has something for everyone.  Phat Sammy’s, Goodland Pourhouse, Fusion BBQ, Blue Oak BBQ, The Standard, Longs Craft BBQ, Tamarind Island Grille, Gary's Unique Eatery and of course…The Camp! Bring your appetite and enjoy this fun eating experience. If you want to have a little of them all, look at the Taste of WhistleStop Ticket! 

The Tailgate Zone – The Tailgate Zone will be the place to just hang out with friends, eat some great food from our Food Vendor Alley and watch football on giant 17’ LED screen! We will be showing all the “big games” that are being broadcasted!  Bring your lawn chairs and get ready to cheer on your team!  

The Family Fun Zone –The i3 Cares Team has some exciting and engaging activities planned for everyone at WhistleStop this year.  Not only will you find an inflatable bounce house or two but some hands-on STEAM activities that are sure to entertain and educate.