By CLTure
August 4, 2026
Big crowds are expected for chef and content creator Bernard Hardison’s inaugural Looka That Festival Right There! event, taking place at The Boardwalk at University City this weekend.
The social media personality, best known for his viral “Baptized Chicken,” will also be joined by special guests Mr. Tendernism and LES BBQ, who will both be serving their specialties at the event. Walter Johnson, aka Mr. Tendernism, the pitmaster known for his viral barbecue reaction videos, will offer brisket and rib plates, while Les Rhodes, aka LES BBQ, known for his slow-cooked oxtails, will serve his signature oxtails.
The free festival, taking place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will showcase more than 25 local and regional Carolina food, drink, and dessert vendors serving barbecue, seafood, oxtails, turkey legs, sweet treats, and Hardison’s signature “Baptized Chicken.”
The event will also feature live music from Charlotte-based pianist, producer, and vocalist V-Keyz, drumline performances by Queen City Elite Percussion, and a special back-to-school initiative providing 1,000 free book bags for kids.
Attendees are encouraged to rideshare or take the light rail, as parking is limited. Free parking is available at the JW Clay Park & Ride parking garage located at 9048 N. Tryon Street, which is a short walk from the festival grounds at The Boardwalk behind The Shoppes at University Place (8931 J M Keynes Dr.).
Additional limited parking is available throughout The Shoppes at University Place but is expected to fill quickly. Event signage will be posted to guide attendees to the festival area. For those taking the light rail, additional parking is available at the University City Blvd Station (7205 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28213), where riders can take the Blue Line one stop north to the JW Clay/UNC Charlotte Station and walk approximately nine minutes to the event.
Looka That Festival Right There! takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Boardwalk at University City. For more information, visit the event’s official website.
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