Central BBQ Hosts Inaugural WingFest, Benefiting Southaven Middle School

SOUTHAVEN, Miss., Oct. 1, 2026 - Central BBQ will host its first WingFest on Saturday, Oct. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at Central BBQ Silo Square, 6547 Getwell Rd. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Southaven Middle School and the revitalization of its library.

Held at Central BBQ Silo Square, this event pairs a wing-eating competition with festival-style fun. Activities include live music, local vendors, family-friendly games, and $1 party wing deals in-store. Proceeds raised throughout the day will support the school’s student spaces and fund updates to the library.

“We are excited to bring this event to the Southaven community,” said Billy Katz, Central BBQ Silo Square manager. “Beyond the event, we are proud to give back to the students, parents, and faculty of Southaven Middle School. We are grateful to be a small part of these students' education.”

Student groups will perform and help run activations throughout the day, giving the school’s musicians, athletes, and artists a hometown stage. The performance schedule includes:

● Noon – Marching band kicks off the event

● 12:30 p.m. – Dance team performance

● 12:45 p.m. – Cheer squad performance

● 1:30-2 p.m. – Wing-eating competition

● 2:30 p.m. – Awards ceremony

● 3:30 p.m. – Marching band and cheer set

● 3:45 p.m. – Choir performance closes out the day

“To have a local organization as impactful as Central BBQ support our students is something we will all remember,” said April Rucker, principal of Southaven Middle School. “We are so excited to partner with them on this event and reward our students and families with the outcome.”

WingFest is free to attend and runs from noon to 4 p.m. Competitors will go head-to-head in a wing-eating competition, with a grand prize of $250. Entry is $30 and competitors must be 18 or older. Spots are limited and registration is open now.

To learn more about the event, attendees and competitors can click here.

About Central BBQ

Founded in Memphis in 2002, Central BBQ is known for its Memphis-style BBQ, including slow-smoked pork, ribs, wings and more. Built on a love of the craft and the belief that good BBQ brings people together, Central BBQ welcomes neighbors around the table at its locations in Memphis, Southaven and Nashville. Smoke is our sauce.

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