The Hopeful Hog Festival

A logo for 'The Hopeful Hog,' featuring a smiling pig in an apron holding a grilling fork and spatula, with steam rising around its head. The slogan reads 'Where pitmasters compete and families win.'

ATTEND THE FESTIVAL

October 3rd, 2026

11am-4pm

Benford Brewing

Come enjoy a full day of fun!

Featuring a BBQ Cookout judged by the South Carolina BBQ Association, live music, a kid zone, and plenty of cold beer.

Close-up of a cooked beef brisket with a blackened bark and visible pink smoke ring, resting on a wooden surface.

Village & Vessel invites you to fire up your smokers and join us for this electrifying event! This isn't just a cook-off; it's a chance to put your 'cue where your heart is, competing against other professional cookers for serious glory and supporting an incredible cause. Beyond the satisfaction of helping build families, you'll be competing for cash prizes for top placement in sanctioned categories, the ultimate bragging rights as the reigning champion of The Hopeful Hog, and prestigious awards and trophies handed out during our Saturday afternoon awards ceremony. Come show off your skills, support local families, and maybe take home a little extra prize money—and a whole lot of smoke-filled glory!

Cooker's Entry Packet
A foam tray of barbecued pork ribs with blackened bark, served with dipping sauces and a cracker.

Sponsors are essential to making the Hopeful Hog a successful fundraiser for Village & Vessel, ensuring the organization can continue providing crucial grants to help local families with adoption expenses and supplying essential resources to foster families. To thank our sponsors for their incredible support, we offer VIP treatment during the festival, inviting them to join us in an exclusive tent, where they will receive complimentary food and drink, prime viewing access, comfortable seating, and more!

Sponsorship
A large, perfectly cooked piece of meat grilling on a barbecue with a glossy, caramelized exterior.

Our Hopeful Hog Festival is a huge undertaking with many moving parts, and we rely on a fantastic team of volunteers to make it a success! If you're willing to lend a hand, you'll receive a free official volunteer shirt and complimentary tickets to eat and drink at the festival. Come join the team and help us build families!

Volunteer