Ready, Set, Eat: Pig and Whiskey Kicks Off in Ferndale

Are you ready to pig out?

The returns to downtown Ferndale this weekend where residents can enjoy BBQ, whiskey sampling and live music.

Metro Times is partnering with for the second annual event, which will close E. Troy Street and feature barbecue from seven of the area's best barbecue restaurants. Guests can also sample various brands of bourbon, scotch, and whiskey, or check out the beer tent.

Emily Husband, general manager at the and WAB, said the event is in a bigger space than last year and offers a wider selection of barbecue and whiskey.

The event unofficially kicked off with a pre-party Friday night, featuring five of the seven restaurants.

Husband said Pig and Whiskey is so popular because it's "not your average outside food festival."

"People really like barbecue and I think that it's a little bit different," she said. "It's kind of fun and gives people a chance to taste and experiment rather than just going to a bar. It's almost like a tasting session, which is always fun to do."

And this year's event will have something for everyone, she said, including great live music, family-friendly games and activities offered by Ronald McDonald House, a few vendors selling barbecue-related items and more.

"It's definitely a little bit more to do this year and something for everyone. It's definitely family friendly, and dogs are welcome as long as they're well-behaved," Husband said.

Tickets will be available for the purchase of beer and whiskey, and food will be cash-only. An ATM is available inside the WAB.

The event is free to enter. Check out a from last year's Pig and Whiskey event.

Know Before You Go

• What: Second annual Pig & Whiskey
• Where: Downtown Ferndale, E. Troy Street
• When: Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Cost: Free to attend. Food and drinks for cash purchase.
• What else: Event will go on rain or shine. See the full entertainment schedule here. A "cocktail corner" will feature the best whiskey cocktails from local bartenders, and a game area will offer classic outdoor activities like washer toss and four-square ball. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House.