Eagles Annual BBQ Cook-off
A Gulf Coast BBQ Tradition Rooted in Community Spirit
Nestled along Highway 87 in Crystal Beach, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3719 has long served as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Each spring—typically late March or early April—the Aerie transforms nearby venues like Festival Park or the Pavilion at Swedes Park into a bustling hub of Texas-style barbecue excellence. The event started gaining momentum in the early 2020s, with the 2nd Annual Charity BBQ Cookoff held in 2023 at Swedes Festival Park. By 2025, it had become a well-established highlight of the Bolivar Peninsula calendar, featuring a full weekend of activities designed to raise funds for local charities, volunteer fire departments, community outreach, and Eagles programs.
Eagles #3719 Annual BBQ Cookoff
The Eagles #3719 Annual BBQ Cookoff is a beloved tradition in Crystal Beach, Texas, on the scenic Bolivar Peninsula. Hosted by the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3719, this charity-focused event draws pitmasters, BBQ lovers, families, and community supporters for a weekend of smoky competition, live music, games, auctions, and good causes.
What to Expect at the Eagles #3719 BBQ Cookoff
The cookoff delivers classic Texas BBQ vibes with a strong charitable heartbeat:
* Competition Categories — Teams battle it out in core categories like brisket and ribs, with judging by local experts. Plaques, cash prizes, and the coveted “Team Spirit Award” go to top performers.
* Friday Night Kickoff — Many years feature a themed dinner (fish fry, crawfish boil, etc.) paired with live music to get the weekend started under the stars.
* Saturday Main Event — Gates typically open mid-morning for “Meet the Teams,” family games, BBQ plate sales, silent auctions, and the high-energy live auction featuring donated items (everything from artwork to big-ticket experiences).
* Live Entertainment — Local bands keep the energy high throughout the day and into the evening.
* Family-Friendly Fun — Games for all ages, raffles, and a laid-back beach-town atmosphere make it welcoming for everyone.
* Food Beyond Competition — Attendees enjoy BBQ meals, sides, and cold drinks while watching the pits smoke away.
The relaxed, community-driven feel sets this cookoff apart from larger sanctioned circuits—it’s more backyard-friendly yet still fiercely competitive.
Why the Eagles BBQ Cookoff Matters to Crystal Beach, Texas & Bolivar Peninsula
Beyond the mouthwatering aromas, the event strengthens the tight-knit fabric of Bolivar Peninsula life. Funds directly support:
* Volunteer fire departments in Crystal Beach, Port Bolivar, High Island, and surrounding areas
* Local outreach programs
* Eagles charitable priorities
In a region that values resilience—especially post-hurricane recovery—the cookoff stands as a yearly reminder of neighbors helping neighbors.
Planning Your Visit to the Eagles #3719 BBQ Cookoff
If you’re craving championship-level brisket and ribs, live tunes by the Gulf, and the warm hospitality of Crystal Beach, Texas put the Eagles #3719 Annual BBQ Cookoff on your calendar. It’s more than a cookoff—it’s a delicious way to support one of the Bolivar Peninsula’s most active community organizations.
