BBQ Events You'll Drool Over . . .

(Photo: Lillie's Q)

If you're obsessed with BBQ like most people in this town, you'll want to check out these upcoming events:

Get your tix to the first-ever Pitmaster Dinner Series at Barn & Company, where resident pitmaster Gary Wiviott shows off his skills in a number of dishes. Rib Night kicks off the series at 7:30pm Feb. 22 with some of his signature items, including smoked, cumin-scent lamb ribs, "Fred Flintstone" beef ribs and more. Each dish is paired with a bourbon-based cocktail or craft beer. It's $40 per person. Reservations recommended by contacting the restaurant here.

Those about to take the plunge might want to consider Chicago q for BBQ-based bachelorette/bachelor parties.

That's right, celebrate your last nights of singledom by digging into juicy pieces of pulled pork shoulder, pulled chicken, St. Louis-style ribs and Kobe sliced brisket. For guys, it's $40 per person because vittles come with a glass of bourbon, and gals are charged $35 for the celebratory glass of bubbly. You'll get to invite up to 50 people, and if you have a cake they won't charge extra.

And if you want to learn the secrets behind the award-winning q at Lillie's Q, get a group together—and the $$$—and chef/owner Charlie McKenna will come to your crib and drop some knowledge.

The Backyard BBQ Class is $750 and accommodates up to six guests for two to five hours. McKenna brings all the meat, rubs, marinades, sauces, injections and more, and will teach you the proper BBQ techniques on your grill.

For those interested in the more competitive side of BBQ (there are many, many amateur contests happening all over the country!), McKenna is also doing a Competitive BBQ Class in which he offers the tricks of the trade. He'll also cook a specifc protein with you to the Memphis BBQ Network (MBN) or Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) specifications. That's $1,000 for an all-day session.

And if you really want to get in on the action, you can pay $3,000 to hang with the Lillie's Q team as they compete on the national BBQ competition circuit. You'll be immersed in all activities, including prepping and presenting. The $3,000 doesn't include lodging and airfare.