Nebraska's Unlikely BBQ Destination
Winnetoon has a population of around 47 people. Every August, nearly 1,000 of them show up — from across Nebraska and beyond — for the Winnetoon BBQ. Free food, live music, a parade, and raffle prizes make this one of the most remarkable small-town events in the state.
2026 Event — 10th Annual
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Location: Main Street by Elaine's Tavern, Winnetoon, Nebraska
Schedule of Events
2:00–4:00 p.m. — Car Show (free admission, $1,000 added purse; contact Mike Wagner 402-640-6338 or Lyle Schwartz 402-750-3534)
4:00 p.m. — Kiddie Parade registration (Red, White & Blue theme; lineup north of Elaine's Tavern)
4:30 p.m. — Kiddie Parade (cash prizes 1st–4th place; all participants receive a free meal)
5:00 p.m. — BBQ begins (free will donation); Live Music begins (Silver Moon Band & Kimberly Meyer Music)
8:00 p.m. — Kids' Raffle drawings
9:00 p.m. — Winnetoon Raffle drawings
5:00 p.m.–Midnight — Live music; Bounce house
BBQ Menu
Free will donation. Menu includes Pork BBQ Sandwich, Hot Dog, Grandma Pam's Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Chips, Pop & Water. To-go orders: call 402-847-3321.
Winnetoon Raffle
Top prize: 2026 Can-Am 500 4-Wheeler or $5,000 cash, plus 9 other prizes. Tickets: $50 each or 3 for $100. Available at Brunswick State Bank Winnetoon Branch, from Winnetoon BBQ members, or at the gate.
Kids' Raffle
Top prize: Go-Kart, plus four other fun prizes. Tickets: $10 each or 3 for $20. Drawings at 8 p.m. — do not need to be present to win.
How It Started
The Winnetoon BBQ began as a community effort to support Elaine's Tavern, the town's local restaurant. What started as a local fundraiser has grown into an annual tradition that puts Winnetoon on the map every summer.
External Links
- Winnetoon BBQ on Facebook — current dates and updates
See Winnetoon, Nebraska for lodging and fuel in the area. Winnetoon is in Knox County on Nebraska Highway 14.