Cue for a cause a barbecue competition to benefit ewan

Elmhurst’s Ultimate Backyard BBQ is Back!

‘Cue for a Cause | August 31, 2025 • 12–7 PM
York & Vallette Streets, Elmhurst, IL

Get ready for a smokin’ good time at ‘Cue for a Cause—Elmhurst’s most mouthwatering fundraiser of the year! Grill masters from all around fire up their best barbecue in a friendly competition to claim the crown, while you enjoy the flavor-packed action.
Bring the whole family for a day full of live music, raffles, great eats, cold drinks, and fun entertainment for all ages. Come hungry, leave happy—and know you are supporting a great local cause!

This community celebration welcomes everyone—whether you’re behind the grill or just here for the fun! Every bite and every moment helps support the vital work of EWAN in our community.

A group of people are posing for a selfie at a festival.
bbq
Two women holding a sign that says team effort form a team join a team
A man holding a sign that says food and drink skip the line
A sign that says 50/50 raffle on it
A banner that says 'Cue Online Auction
Donate to our Auctions & Raffles
Contact Event Coordinator

Calling Teen Volunteers!

Volunteer for Teen Service Hours
Adults Volunteer Here
Adult Volunteer Sign-up

Full Boar Plus Sponsors

Full Boar Sponsors

Boss Hog Sponsors

Full Slab Sponsors


  • Sign Artist USA
  • Diane & Rick Emich

Meet the rest of our 2024 sponsor family!

Half Slab


  • Don Compos, Custom Bindery
  • John Noldan, Guaranteed Rate
  • Jim & Jan Kinsella

Bacon


  • Enerpace Leadership Development
  • Stephanie, Patrick, Lucy & Molly Savage

2025 Event Schedule (Not Final) (

TIME WHAT'S HAPPENING (Schedule not final - Check back soon)
Noon - 6:30pm Great prizes available through silent auction and raffles at the Raffle Tent
Noon - 4:00pm "People's Choice" sauce judging. Buy voting tokens where food tickets are sold and vote on the sauce you like best.
Noon - 7:00pm Kids will have a blast with the face painter, balloon twister, giant slide, Legos, games, crafts, and fun of all kinds! Look for the slide to find the fun!
12:00 - 1:30pm Live Band (TBD) takes the C&C Power Sound Stage
2:00 - 4:00pm Live Band (TBD) on the C&C Power Sound Stage
4:00pm Beat Barbecue Jim judging on the C&C Power Sound Stage
4:30pm Best sauce and chicken winners announced
5:00 - 7:00pm Musc (TBD) on C&C Power Sound Stage.
6:30pm Raffle/silent auction close. The lucky winners will be posted in the raffle tent.
7:00pm Rib winners, People’s Sauce Choice, Beat Barbecue Jim, and GRAND CHAMPION announced!

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2024 WINNERS!

A list of winners of the 2023 cue for a cause