5 things to know about the 40th annual BBQ Fest on the Neuse The BBQ Fest on the Neuse is back. After missing 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world's largest whole-hog cook-off returns May 7 and 8 in downtown Kinston. Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authority director and BBQ Fest chair Jan Parson believes festivalgoers are ready for a change from last year's lockdowns and quarantining, but there are five things festivalgoers may want to know before attending the 40-year-old hog happenin' next week. "2020 was a year of uncertainty and disappointment in many ways," Parson said. "People are ready to get outside and see each other."