WhistleStop at MidCity
A beloved North Alabama tradition since 2001, 2025 marked the third time WhistleStop was held in the vibrant MidCity District!
Now presented by the Apollo Coalition,
building community through culture and innovation.
Our mission is to empower people to collaborate and create through entrepreneurship, special events, and educational programs.
Questions? Want to get involved? Email joanna@apollocoalition.org.
TIME FOR THE SIZZLE 🔥
TIME FOR THE SIZZLE 🔥
Join us for food, community, and FUN at the 2026 WhistleStop BBQ Festival!
The WhistleStop festival is back! A beloved North Alabama tradition since 2001, WhistleStop returns to the vibrant MidCity District October 16th and 17th. Presented by the Apollo Coalition, this year's festival is better than ever, featuring the People’s Choice tastings (where YOU can try wings and pulled pork during certain festival hours!), live local music, and FUN for the whole family.
WhistleStop Festival Hours:
Friday, October 16th, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Saturday, October 17th, 2026, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Friday Single Day (Oct. 16th): $10 advance price ($15 at the gate). Includes People's Choice WINGS tasting from 6 PM - 7:30 PM (while supplies last).
Saturday Single Day (Oct. 17th): $10 advance price ($15 at the gate). Includes People's Choice PULLED PORK tasting from 2 PM - 4 PM (while supplies last).
Weekend Pass: $15 (advance price) or $25 (at the gate). Includes both People's Choice tastings (while supplies last).
Children 12 and under: FREE
Parking: FREE
All tickets include access to:
The MainStage: Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy live music from local and regional acts all weekend long.
People’s Choice Tastings: Sample and judge BBQ from the ShadeTree Barbeque Teams during specific times. Tastings include:
WINGS: Friday, 6 PM - 7:30 PM (or while supplies last)
PULLED PORK: Saturday, 2 PM - 4 PM (or while supplies last)
The Awards Ceremony: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. - cheer on your favorite BBQ team as cash prizes totaling over $6,000 are announced.
Sizzle Alley: A variety of food options to purchase and local goods to shop.
The Picnic Zone: Hang out with friends, grab food from the Alley, and watch the big games.
The Pigpen: Inflatable bounce houses, STEM activities, and more to entertain our youngest WhistleStop guests.
Tastings are while supplies last. Vote via QR codes at team sites or donate with cash/check to support our initiatives and help your favorite team win the Apollo Cup!
THE SOUNDS
The air will be filled with the sweet smoke of BBQ and the even sweeter sounds of our incredible bands! We've lined up some of the best local talent to add flavor to this year's festival. Music at WhistleStop is presented with support from the Huntsville Music Office.
Check out these bands bringing the sizzle to WhistleStop 2026:
Friday, October 16
Travis Bowlin
Milltowne
The BrooklinesSaturday, October 17
The Grasstronauts
Josh Allison
Lana White & the Heights
Buck’d UP
WhistleStop: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
When is the festival? Friday, October 16 from 4:00 to 11:00 PM and Saturday, October 17 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
How much are tickets? General admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate. Kids 12 and under get in free.
Who benefits from the festival? Funds raised go to the Apollo Coalition, a Huntsville-based nonprofit building community across the state. The Coalition hosts the major events at MidCity, funds two accelerator programs for entrepreneurs, and much more!
Where do I enter? There is one entrance, on the Makers Way NW side of the festival lot. Best address for the gate: 925 Makers Way.
Does the festival accept cash? The Fest is cashless.
Where is parking? Parking is available throughout MidCity and it's free. The festival lot itself is closed to parking.
Where should my rideshare drop me off? Right in front of the festival gate at 925 Makers Way!
Is outside food or drink allowed? No. Outside food, beverages and coolers are not allowed. There's plenty of food on site, and soda, water, and adult beverages are available to buy.
Can I bring a bag or purse? Yes, but all bags are subject to inspection.
What's the seating like? The festival is on a paved lot with open space and shaded seating areas. You're welcome to bring chairs or blankets.
Can I taste the competition BBQ? Yes, through the People's Choice Contest! Try wings on Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM and pulled pork on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, then vote for your favorite. People’s Choice is included in your festival admission, and will go on while supplies last. Winners are announced at the 5:00 PM awards on the main stage on Saturday.
Can I watch the game? Yes. SEC football will be on the big screen located near the bar on Saturday starting at 11:00 AM.
What is there for kids? The kids area has an inflatable, crafts, games and our Junior Judges challenge. Kids score the cook teams' booths, and the winner gets a Kids' Choice award on stage. It's open Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Parents and guardians must stay with their children.
Are pets allowed? No pets, with the exception of service dogs. Service dogs must stay on a leash at all times and be marked as a service dog.
Is the festival rain or shine? Yes, it's rain or shine. If severe weather such as lightning or high winds approaches, we may pause the festival and ask everyone to leave the grounds.
Is re-entry allowed? Yes. Get a wristband at the gate before you leave, and it will let you back in on the same day.
Are there any refunds? Unfortunately, there are no refunds and all ticket sales are final. You're welcome to give your ticket to someone else. Any cancellations will be considered a donation to the Apollo Coalition, a 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID 85-4102045.
What if I need help during the festival? Stop by the Info tent. First aid is on site, and staff can help reunite lost family members.
