Southern Roots BBQ Festival Returns to Travelers Rest

Annual event raises funds for Kleefstra Syndrome research and support

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:08pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a barbecue item repeated in a grid, capturing the lively energy and community spirit of the Southern Roots BBQ Festival.The Southern Roots BBQ Festival celebrates the region's vibrant food culture while also supporting families affected by a rare genetic disorder.Greenville Today

The Southern Roots BBQ Festival returned to Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, drawing a crowd of 2,000 for a day of barbecue, live music, and community. The event, founded by hospitality veteran Geoff Rhyne, helps raise funds for research and support for families impacted by Kleefstra Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder with no known treatment or cure.

Why it matters

The Southern Roots BBQ Festival has become an annual tradition in the Upstate, celebrating the region's rich food culture while also bringing the community together to support an important cause. In a time when many small businesses and community events have struggled, the festival's continued success demonstrates the resilience and generosity of the local community.

The details

The festival featured an array of acclaimed pitmasters and chefs serving up barbecue, sides, and other Southern-inspired dishes. Highlights included smoked beef lengua from Southside Smokehouse, charred lamb flatbread from The Publican in Chicago, and 'Georgia Sweet Cheeks' from Blue Hound Barbecue's Kyle Bryner, the reigning 'Master of 'Cue' from Food Network's BBQ Brawl. In addition to the food, the event included live music performances and activities for families.

  • The Southern Roots BBQ Festival took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The festival has been an annual event since its founding.

The players

Geoff Rhyne

The hospitality veteran and founder of IDefine, who started the Southern Roots BBQ Festival as a way to support families affected by Kleefstra Syndrome.

Kaener Cooper

A guest from Houston, one of the dozen families in attendance at the festival who are impacted by Kleefstra Syndrome.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The organizers of the Southern Roots BBQ Festival plan to continue the event annually, with the goal of growing support and awareness for Kleefstra Syndrome research and the affected families in the community.

The takeaway

The Southern Roots BBQ Festival demonstrates how a community-driven event can not only celebrate local food and culture, but also make a meaningful impact by supporting families facing rare and difficult health challenges. The festival's success is a testament to the power of bringing people together around a shared passion and purpose.