With a lineup of country music stars and legends, world-champion pitmasters, iconic local Barbecue restaurants and a collection of the top bourbon brands available, the River City Smoke Show is set to toast Jacksonville for a two-day food, music and fun extravaganza. The River City Smoke Show begins on Friday, April 1 (with admittance free to the public and food-for-purchase) and Saturday, April 2, (ticketed concert event) at Metro Park’s 32-acre urban waterfront and concert venue located on the north bank of the St. Johns River. 
 

Approximate Schedule for each day

Friday

4:00 PM –           Parking Lots open

5:00 PM –           Gates open // The GATE Fan Pavillion opens // BBQ cuisine will be served up by legendary Pitmasters in the Winn-Dixie BBQ Pit and Bourbon Samplings begin

5:30 PM –           Pitmaster demonstrations begin on the VyStar Stage

6:30 PM –           Songwriter Round begins with Revival Roadshow followed by Dean Dillon on the VyStar Stage

Saturday

2:00 PM –           Parking Lots open

3:00 PM –           Gates open // The GATE Fan Pavillion opens // BBQ cuisine will be served up by legendary Pitmasters in the Winn-Dixie BBQ Pit and Bourbon Samplings begin

3:00 PM –           Priority VIP Entry opens

3:15 PM –           VIP-Only Music Performance

4:00 PM –           Music Begins on the VyStar Stage with DJ ROCK

• Dean Dillon
• Larry Fleet
• Molly Hatchet
• John Michael Montgomery
• Jon Pardi
• 10:30 PM – Fireworks Show Presented by The City of Jacksonville

Who are the musical acts each day? 

On Friday, gates will be free and open to the public at Metro Park. Fans can expect an evening of songwriter rounds on stage featuring talented and trending singer-songwriters from Revival Roadshow and a special performance by Dean Dillon. Revival Roadshow is a gathering of Nashville's greatest musicians and up-and-coming songwriters! Friday's Songwriter Round will include Rob Snyder, Josh Phillips, Tyler Reeve, and Erik Dylan.  Dillon is best known for writing or co-writing more than 55 songs for George Strait including 11 hits that went to No. 1 on the charts for Strait, alone. In addition to the songs written with Strait, Dillon has written hit songs for artists like Hank Willians, Jr., Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, Leann Womack, Pam Tillis, Keith Whitley and had multiple artists record his song Tennessee Whiskey, most recently by Chris Stapleton.

Saturday's ticketed concert will include Country Music stars and Southern Rock legends. Jon Pardi will headline the evening with performances by John Michael Montgomery, Molly Hatchet, Larry Fleet, and Dean Dillon.

Where is the event being held?

The River City Smoke Show will be held at Metropolitan Park - A 23-acre waterfront park with playgrounds, picnic areas and a performance pavilion. 1410 GATOR BOWL BLVD.

 What are the ticket options? 

Friday’s event is free and open to the public with food and drinks available for purchase. Saturday ticket options include:

General Admission $49+

• BBQ cuisine available for purchase from select vendors
• Cash bar featuring beer, wine, and seltzers
• Select bourbon tastings are available for purchase, including Jon Pardi's own Pardi Batch 112 bourbon and more
• Standing room only for the concert

​VIP passes ($150+) include:

• Premium bourbon experience featuring tastings and signature cocktails
• Exclusive BBQ cuisine available for purchase
• Reserved VIP parking in lot J and priority entry
• Limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis
• Access to a premium cash bar (liquor outside of Bourbon will only be sold in the VIP area)
• Dedicated VIP food vendors 
• Dedicated VIP-only restrooms

Do I pay for parking? Where is parking located?

Parking will be across the street in lots J and D at TIAA Bank field. For Saturday’s event, a parking fee of $5 will be added to every ticket and covers both vehicle and boat docking within the  marina. Your ticket is your parking pass. Lots J and D at Tiaa bank field will be open at 2 pm on Saturday. VIP Ticketholders have reserved parking in Lot J. 

Boat parking is limited and will be available only to ticket purchasers on Saturday and on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Do I need to print out my ticket?
Tickets can be printed or scanned from your mobile device. no re-entry is permitted.

Will there be seating?

There is no reserved seating, but limited first-come, first-served seating is available in addition to an exclusive front/side stage viewing area for VIP ticketholders. Fans can bring blankets for seating in the lawn. 

Do kids get in free and are strollers permitted?

Children 9-and-under will be admitted free into general admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Strollers are permitted. 

What happens if it rains?
This event is rain or shine, in the event of inclement weather, every effort will be made to reschedule at a future date first before refunds will be issued.

What time does the event start each day?  

Gates will open at 5:00 pm on Friday and 3:00 pm on Saturday.

Can I arrive via boat and park at the Marina?

A parking fee of $5 will be added to every ticket and covers both vehicle and boat docking within marina. Marina parking is limited to ticket buyers only on Saturday and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Who are the BBQ Vendors?

Tuffy Stone will join The Jacksonville Firefighters Union, Bearded Pig, Sugar Fire and Southern Soul throughout the weekend for a showcase of food for purchase as well as demonstrations and lessons on Friday. The five pitmasters will rotate through the weekend to allow fans to enjoy pulled pork, spare ribs, beef brisket, chicken and other slow-cooked delicacies. 

What types of Bourbon and drinks will be served? 

With a lineup of spirits as strong as the music and equally as delicious as the food, get ready for a variety of samplings, and tastings.  Bourbons available for purchase throughout the weekend will include, 4 Roses Small Batch, New Riff, Yellowstone, Hotel Tango, Luxco, Manifest Bourbon and the music headliner Jon Pardi’s personal Bourbon brand, Pardi Batch 112. 

General admission will have access to flights and tastings of select brands from above. Beer, wine and seltzers will also be available for purchase throughout the weekend in General Admission and VIP. 

VIP will feature tastings for purchase of all brands listed above as well as the Boulevardier signature cocktail, made with your choice of bourbon, and the River City Smoke Show Old fashioned, made with your choice of bourbon. Other for-purchase cocktails in VIP will be available with vodka, gin, etc. from Manifest Distillery. 

Can I purchase food & beverages in advance?
Both cash and card will be accepted on-site. In an effort to keep patrons from having to wait in line, BBQ plates and platters are available for purchase online

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