When the sun comes up later, the morning air is crisp and cool, and the first spots of color begin appearing in the leaves, it’s a sure sign that fall has arrived in Clarence. And with the fall comes Oinktoberfest.

This year, fall enters with a Hawaiian twist, as this year’s BBQ Cookoff is themed Aloha to the Pig. The annual Oinktoberfest event, which bills itself as longest continuously running BBQ competition in NY, opens Friday Sept 22nd and runs through Sunday the 24th on the grounds of the Great Pumpkin Farm at 11163 Main Street in Clarence.

Oinktoberfest is about serious BBQ, as evidenced by the competitors, many of whom loaded up their RVs, grills and smokers earlier this week for the pilgrimage to Main Street in Clarence for this Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event.

Hawaii’s iconic Kālua pigs were traditionally roasted in underground ovens known as imus that were heated by wood and lined with volcanic hot stones with the pig surrounded by wet banana leaves for protection, yielding a succulent, lightly smoked, tender and aromatic abundance of pork. This method of cooking is still in use at traditional Hawaiian events such as Luaus.

Hawaii’s ethnic diversity and associated multicultural influences has created a melting pot of ingredients and options for competitors to accompany their BBQ. Sunday will focus on these Hawaiian ideas as will Saturday’s optional categories.

While outdoor cooking is the centerpiece of Oinktoberfest, you don’t have to be a competitor to enjoy the event. Oinktoberfest is a festival of “BBQ, Beer, Music and Fun,” with plenty to eat and drink and three days of live music.

Admission is free on Friday night. Gates open at 5pm, with music by Miller and the Other Sinners from 6-9pm.

Saturday and Sunday the competition begins. Admission is $8, which includes Oinktoberfest and access to the Great Pumpkin Farm. Discounted tickets are available at all Wegman’s locations. Here’s a look at the weekend schedule:

SATURDAY Sept 21

Gates open 10:00am – dusk
KCBS sanctioned BBQ Competition
Enjoy a live traditional Hula Aloha 11:ooam-Noon
Live music from Noon – 7:00pm
Featured on the main stage: Growlers Blues Band | Last Call | Grace Stumberg
Awards Ceremony 5:00pm – 6:00pm

SUNDAY Sept 22

Gates open 10:00am – dusk
Outdoor Cooking Contest, Rib Oink-Off & Whole Hog
Live music from Noon – 5:00pm
Featured on the main stage. Nashville recording artist: Sean Patrick McGraw
Awards Ceremony 5:00pm – 6:00pm

More information about Oinktoberfest can be found here.

Featured image photo credit: Hogtown Studios