National Whole Hog Barbecue Day

October 17, 2026 12:00 PM
a photo of a whole hog on the grill with the words whole hog barbecue day

Mark your calendars—and join us as we celebrate the tradition and history of authentic whole hog barbecue!

Our pitmasters will be cooking up a whole hog out front and you'll have a chance to make your own barbecue sauce to take home.

To get you hyped for the big day, here’s a bit of history:

In 2022, we founded National Whole Hog Barbecue Day to honor the rich traditions of authentic whole-hog barbecue. The story begins in 1980, when friends reunited for a pig pickin’ along the Roanoke River in Halifax County. By 1983, the tradition moved to Raleigh, right in time for the N.C. State Fair and fall harvest festivities. Fast forward to 2007, and The Pit brought whole-hog barbecue to downtown Raleigh, serving up this delicious tradition to anyone craving the real deal without the drive to Eastern NC.

Learn more about the history of Whole Hog Barbecue Day here 🔥

‍