Pig Out, Clermont Style!
From March 27-29, Waterfront Park in Clermont fills with the unmistakable aroma of slow smoked barbecue as Pig on the Pond returns to the shores of Lake Minneola. This longtime community favorite brings together three days of food, live entertainment, and family friendly fun that locals mark on their calendars every year.
The setting plays a big role in the charm. Waterfront Park stretches along the lake, giving the festival a breezy, open feel that makes it easy to wander between barbecue pits, music stages, and activity zones without feeling crowded. By the time the gates open each day, pitmasters have already been tending smokers for hours, and the scent of brisket, ribs, and pulled pork drifts through the park.
A Full Weekend of Flavor and Fun
The barbecue competition is the centerpiece of the festival, drawing award winning teams who take their craft seriously. Visitors often make a slow loop through the cooking area, comparing sauces, swapping recommendations, and deciding which booth to visit next.
But Pig on the Pond is more than a barbecue contest. The weekend is packed with entertainment and activities that keep the festival buzzing from morning to evening.
Expect highlights like:
- Live music performances throughout the weekend along the waterfront stage
- Award-winning barbecue teams serving brisket, ribs, and pulled pork
- Crowd favorite pig races that bring out plenty of laughter
- Carnival rides and midway games for kids and families
- A lively kids zone with activities designed for younger festivalgoers
- The Junior Grillmasters cook off, where young pitmasters show off their skill
- A student art competition showcasing creative work from local schools
The result is a festival that moves at its own relaxed pace. Some visitors come for the barbecue and stay for the music. Others arrive with families and spend most of the day moving between rides, food stands, and the lakeside lawn.
A Community Tradition with Purpose
Behind the food and fun is a mission that keeps the event grounded in the community. Pig on the Pond is hosted by Project Scholars, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local students through scholarships and mentoring programs.
By sunset, the festival settles into its best moment: music drifting over the water, barbecue in hand, families relaxing on the grass, and Lake Minneola glowing in the background. Not a bad way to spend a weekend!
Want more weekends like Pig on the Pond? Browse upcoming festivals at https://guidetoflorida.com/festivals.
