Question 1

What is Southern Roots?

Accepted Answer

We are a BBQ festival on April 11, 2026 full of good food, good drinks, live music and an even better cause. 
 
Southern Roots brings together 35+ pitmasters and chefs, live music all day, a thoughtfully curated artisan market, and beer, wine and spirits - all included in your ticket! Pitmasters and chefs will be paired into teams, working together to create over 15 amazing BBQ dishes for guests to enjoy.
 
And while there is no better excuse to gather as a community than to break bread and enjoy a great meal, the true reason we are all here is for the non-profit organization, IDefine.(https://www.idefine.org) Southern Roots was created in an effort to raise funds and awareness for IDefine, a non-profit organization that helps families and children with the rare genetic disorder, Kleefstra Syndrome. With a commitment to identifying life-changing treatments and cures for those with Intellectual Disabilities stemming from rare genetic disorders, IDefine also serves as a community and resource for families all over.

Question 2

When do tickets go on sale?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are on sale now - click here (https://southernrootsbbqreunion.eventbrite.com)to grab yours today!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things Southern Roots!

Question 3

How much are tickets?

Accepted Answer

A General Admission ticket is $95 and is ALL-INCLUSIVE of food, beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. A GA ticket also provides access to the live music stage and artisan market/vendor booths. Please note: on-site parking is not included.
 
A VIP ticket is $225 and includes everything provided in the General Admission ticket as well as access to our VIP-only bar with specialty pours, early festival access via the VIP Kick-Off: Seafood Fest + Bubbles from 11:30AM-12:30PM, special bites all day long from our exclusive VIP Area chefs, access to our covered seating and lounge area, VIP restroom trailer, priority entrance to the event and on-site parking.
 
A VIP Private Table for Four is $1,000 and includes everything provided in the VIP ticket as well as a private table with reserved seating for four in the VIP area.
 
A VIP Private Table For Eight is $2,000 and includes everything provided in the VIP ticket as well as a private table with reserved seating for eight in the VIP area.
 
Tickets for children ages 6-12 are $25 and include all food, beverage, and entertainment. Tickets for children 5 and under are free!

Click here to grab your tickets today!(https://southernrootsbbqreunion.eventbrite.com)

Question 4

Is my ticket refundable?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another party. The event is rain or shine.

Please reach out to connect@southernrootsreunion.com (connect@southernrootsreunion.com)for assistance transferring your tickets!

Question 5

Where should I stay?

Accepted Answer

Check out some of TR's area hotels and inns below:

Hampton Inn, Travelers Rest:(https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gsptrhx-hampton-greenville-travelers-rest/) 593 Roe Center Ct, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, Phone: (864) 834-5550

Best Western, Travelers Rest:(https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-travelers-rest/best-western-travelers-rest-greenville/propertyCode.41103.html) 110 Hawkins Rd, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, Phone: (864) 834-7040

The Station by Compo Hotels:(https://compohotels.com/) 745 Old Buncombe Rd, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, Phone: (864) 768-3359

Swamp Rabbit Inn TR:(http://www.swamprabbitinn.com/travelers-rest) 426 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690, Phone: (864) 345-7990

Click here (https://travelersrestsc.com/visit/where-to-stay/)to view more!

Question 6

Who does Southern Roots benefit?

Accepted Answer

Southern Roots was created in an effort to raise funds and awareness for IDefine, Inc.  IDefine (https://secure.givelively.org/donate/idefine-inc/drive-progress-today)is a non-profit organization that helps families and children with the rare genetic disorder, Kleefstra Syndrome. With a commitment to identifying life-changing treatments and cures for those with Intellectual Disabilities stemming from genetic disorders, IDefine also serves as a community and resource for families all over.

As the festival beneficiary, we've raised $300,000 in the last four years, helped fund a specialized clinic at the Boston Children’s Hospital and are actively supporting research projects and the North American Family Conference this June that will bring together over 75 families impacted by Kleefstra Syndrome. 
 
With the ultimate goal of finding a cure, the support of Southern Roots is helping further the research of Kleefstra Syndrome and new technologies that may provide some answers for these sweet children and their families.

Question 7

What is IDefine?

Accepted Answer

IDefine is the whole reason we are here and is the nonprofit organization that the festival benefits. Click here (https://www.idefine.org/about-idefine/)to learn more!

Question 8

What is Kleefstra Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Kleefstra syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by Intellectual Disability, childhood hypotonia, severe expressive speech delay and a distinctive facial appearance with a spectrum of additional clinical features. The syndrome, eponymously named for Dr. Tjitske Kleefstra, is caused by either a mutation or deletion of a gene called EHMT1 (Euchromatic Histone Methyltransferase 1). The impact leads to the loss of the entire gene.
Kleefstra Syndrome presents with a wide range of symptoms, and the severity of those symptoms vary from mild to severe.
 
Click here to learn more! (https://www.idefine.org/about-kleefstra-syndrome/#what-is-ks)(https://www.idefine.org/about-kleefstra-syndrome/#what-is-ks)

Question 9

Can I donate to IDefine?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Click here (https://idefine.networkforgood.com/projects/224641-southern-roots)to donate!

Question 10

Why is it called a reunion?

Accepted Answer

Our favorite part about cooking BBQ is the way it gathers people together and that’s exactly what we intend to do at Southern Roots. Our hope is that you’ll leave the event feeling like you just spent the day with family.

Question 11

Where is Southern Roots located?

Accepted Answer

Southern Roots will be held at Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Dr, Travelers Rest, SC 29690.

Question 12

What time does the event start?

Accepted Answer

Southern Roots will begin at 12:00PM and end at 4:00PM. 
 
VIP tickets additionally provide access to the VIP Kick-Off: Seafood Fest + Bubbles from 11:30AM-12:30PM.

Question 13

Will there be vendors besides the chefs and restaurants?

Accepted Answer

Yes! There will be local small businesses and partners at the event in our Artisan Market. If you are interested, click here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3zQHjT-3GpNFwAH5Ps6gLpB6bNSH4e9g_sHuVNgsV4cc35w/viewform?usp=dialog)to learn more and apply!

Question 14

Are there sponsorship opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Click here (https://www.southernrootsreunion.com/sponsor-2024)to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities or reach out to connect@southernrootsreunion.com (connect@southernrootsreunion.com)for more details.

Question 15

How can I get involved in Southern Roots?

Accepted Answer

We have opportunities to sponsor and support the event,(https://www.southernrootsreunion.com/sponsor-2024) vendor opportunities (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3zQHjT-3GpNFwAH5Ps6gLpB6bNSH4e9g_sHuVNgsV4cc35w/viewform?usp=dialog)and opportunities to volunteer.(https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054AAFA92DA4FC1-56339659-2026) Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know of more opportunities!

Question 16

What is the email newsletter?

Accepted Answer

The Southern Roots email newsletter lets you sign up to stay updated on all event details!

Question 17

How can I be included as a Pitmaster or Chef in next year's festival?

Accepted Answer

Please reach out to us at connect@southernrootsreunion.com (connect@southernrootsreunion.com)for more information!

Question 18

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

On-site parking is not included in the General Admission tickets. However, there will be a Lyft and Uber drop-off area and parking available nearby on a first-come, first-serve basis. The nearest parking lots are located at T&S Brass,(https://www.google.com/maps/place/T%26S+Brass+And+Bronze+Works,+Inc./@34.9588169,-82.4418014,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8858333d0c4f61e7:0xc0e9954347d8dd8a!8m2!3d34.9588169!4d-82.4418014!16s%2Fg%2F1tcylrpc) TR History Museum (https://www.google.com/maps/place/History+Museum+of+Travelers+Rest/@34.9535242,-82.4423509,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88583319a0022771:0x845208484a50b4a2!8m2!3d34.9535243!4d-82.4402204)and Roe Road Public Parking.(https://www.google.com/maps/place/Roe+Rd,+Travelers+Rest,+SC+29690/@34.9605181,-82.4402664,18z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88583323d0388681:0x1866efcf8c9ce5e6!8m2!3d34.9608478!4d-82.4379925) Additional parking lots, restaurants and shop listings can be found on the City’s Google map.

If you have purchased a VIP ticket, on-site parking will be available. You will receive an email the week of the event with your parking pass.

If you have purchased a VIP Private Table For Four or Eight, on-site parking will be available for one or two cars depending on the table size. You will receive an email the week of the event with your parking pass.

All attendees are encouraged to ride-share using Uber or Lyft (or ride your bike down the Swamp Rabbit!)

Question 19

Is there overnight parking?

Accepted Answer

There is no overnight camping or RV parking available.

Question 20

What is the bag and security policy?

Accepted Answer

Small clutch bags or purses, no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" in size are allowed. Clear bags of any size are also allowed. All bags will be subject to search at our discretion.

Diaper bags and strollers are allowed, but are subject to search.

Lawn chairs, camping chairs, and picnic blankets are allowed for use in the designated area by the stage. You may be asked to remove your camping chair from its bag when passing through security.

Please note that no weapons or firearms are allowed on-site.

Question 21

Can I bring chairs, blankets or parasol umbrellas?

Accepted Answer

Lawn chairs, camping chairs, and picnic blankets are allowed for use in the designated area by the stage. You may be asked to remove your camping chair from its bag when passing through security.

You are welcome to bring handheld umbrellas/parasols (under 3ft tall) for shade! No pop up tents allowed.

Question 22

Do I have to purchase anything inside the event?

Accepted Answer

Reunion tickets are all-inclusive of food, beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Tickets also provide access to the live music stage and artisan market/vendor booths. Artisan Market and vendor booth items will be for sale during the festival, so we encourage you to shop and support these local businesses.

Question 23

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not permitted at the event, with the only exception being service animals. Any attendee that shows up with a pet will be asked to leave the event.

Question 24

Are children allowed to attend?

Accepted Answer

Children are welcome to attend Southern Roots as we hope to provide a family friendly environment! 
 
Tickets for children ages 6-12 are $25 and include all food, beverage, and entertainment. Tickets for children 5 and under are free!

Question 25

What should I wear to Southern Roots?

Accepted Answer

Dress casually and comfortably as you are a part of the barbecue community! The event will be held outdoors at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest.

Question 26

Will there be photography and videography at the event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please note that photography and videography will be taken at the event and by purchasing a ticket, you have consented to any and all use for social media and marketing purposes.

Our photographers have been instructed to explicitly ask for permission for photography of minors, but we do ask for your help in expressing any concerns you may have of children being photographed.

FAQ