For more than a century, the Telkwa BBQ has been bringing people together in the community for a weekend rooted in community tradition, local flavour and small-town hospitality. What began approximately 113 years ago as a simple community barbecue has grown into one of the region’s most beloved annual gatherings, drawing nearly 6,000 people to Telkwa each September long weekend to celebrate the community’s history, culture and spirit.
Organized by the Bulkley Valley Kinsmen Club, the festival continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Held on the grounds surrounding the Telkwa Community Hall, the event comes alive each year with outdoor concerts, artisan vendors, locally prepared food, family activities and sports tournaments. At the heart of the festival is the iconic in-ground BBQ pit, where beef roasts are slow-cooked over a long brick-lined trench filled with glowing coals and crackling firewood. Returning favourites include the 16-team slow-pitch tournament and kids’ zone and indoor dance, while the 2026 event will also introduce a pickleball tournament on the newly constructed courts located on the BBQ grounds.
“You can feel the history when you walk through the grounds during the weekend” said Lonny Wiebe of the Bulkley Valley Kinsmen Club. “From the smoke rising out of the BBQ pits to the ball games, music and laughter happening around the site, it’s a celebration that honours tradition while continuing to create new memories every year.”
Supported through the Fabulous Festivals and Events program, the BBQ received $5,000 toward this year’s festivities. Northern Development has proudly supported the event and its infrastructure over multiple years, including funding toward upgrades to the Telkwa Community Hall kitchen— the same kitchen that continues to support food preparation and operations for the annual BBQ today.
The festival is powered largely by volunteers who work year-round to keep the long-standing tradition alive. Their efforts help create a welcoming event that celebrates local musicians, artisans, businesses and community connections while drawing visitors into the Bulkley Valley region.
Attend this year’s BBQ for yourself Sept 5-7!
