Cedar Point has introduced an all-new event for 2026, and we recently had the opportunity to check it out during a private tasting. Barrels & Bites takes over Frontier Trail throughout June and combines specialty food, wine, bourbon, live entertainment, games, and unique shopping experiences in one of the most beautiful areas of the park.
A special thank you to Tony Clark and Cedar Point for inviting us out to experience the event.
What is Barrels & Bites?
Barrels & Bites runs throughout June (excluding Tuesdays) and is located along Frontier Trail between Frontier Town and Camp Snoopy.
Unlike the former Frontier Festival, Barrels & Bites focuses on food pairings, wine, bourbon, whiskey, live entertainment, and unique experiences while maintaining the relaxing atmosphere that makes Frontier Trail one of our favorite areas of the park.
The event features several food and beverage locations, live music, games, themed decorations, and specialty vendors.
Our Favorite Food Items
One of the highlights of the event is the food. Cedar Point has created several unique menu items that aren’t available elsewhere in the park.
Burnt Ends & Grits – 10/10
If you’re only going to try one item, make it this one.
The bourbon barbecue brisket burnt ends served over truffled cheddar grits were outstanding. The brisket was tender and flavorful, while the grits added just the right amount of richness without feeling too heavy.
Even Tony Clark told us this was his favorite item before we sampled it, and after trying it ourselves, we completely understand why.
Smoked Wings
The honey and herb brined smoked wings finished with a raspberry Chardonnay glaze were another standout.
The sauce added great flavor without being overpowering, and the wings were cooked perfectly. This ended up being one of our favorite items of the evening.
Crab Cake with Habanero Slaw
The crab cake was good on its own, but the habanero slaw really elevated the dish. The slaw balanced the flavors nicely and helped create a much more complete bite.
Chicken Skewer
The chicken skewer featured great flavor but brought a little more heat than we expected. If you enjoy some spice, this is definitely worth trying.
Desserts
We sampled both the chocolate mousse and chocolate-covered strawberry.
Both were excellent, but the chocolate-covered strawberry paired especially well with the event’s wine offerings.
Brim & Ember Trading Co.
One of the biggest surprises at Barrels & Bites wasn’t the food—it was Brim & Ember Trading Co.
This specialty vendor offers several interactive experiences that fit perfectly within the Frontier Town atmosphere.
Guests can:
- Create custom cowboy hats
- Design custom trucker hats
- Build custom candles
- Create personalized perfume or cologne
I ended up designing a custom cowboy hat complete with accessories and custom torching, while my son created his own youth cowboy hat with personalized branding.
My wife opted for a custom trucker hat, which offers dozens of patch options and nearly endless customization possibilities.
This was one of our favorite experiences of the entire event.
Hoots & Hollers VIP Experience
After exploring Barrels & Bites, we headed over to Hoots & Hollers at Hudson Hollow.
This adults-only comedy show delivers audience interaction, music, laughs, and plenty of unexpected moments.
We experienced the VIP package, which includes:
- Reserved seating
- Popcorn
- One beverage
- Exclusive VIP button
If you’re looking for something unique to do during your visit, Hoots & Hollers is absolutely worth considering.
Just be prepared—you may become part of the show.
Family-Friendly?
Although Barrels & Bites includes wine, bourbon, and whiskey tastings, this is still a very family-friendly event.
Frontier Trail remains home to:
- The Barnyard
- Pony rides
- Frontier-themed games
- Relaxing seating areas
- Live entertainment
Our kids enjoyed exploring the trail, checking out Brim & Ember, and simply spending time in one of Cedar Point’s most relaxing areas.
Final Thoughts
Even though rain cut our evening short and forced some of the event offerings to close early, we were impressed with what Cedar Point has created.
Barrels & Bites feels like a natural fit for Frontier Trail. The food is unique, the atmosphere is relaxing, and Brim & Ember adds a completely different experience that you won’t find elsewhere in the park.
If you’re visiting Cedar Point this June, we highly recommend making time to explore Barrels & Bites.
And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the Burnt Ends & Grits.
Our Overall Favorites
🥇 Burnt Ends & Grits
🥈 Smoked Wings
🥉 Brim & Ember Custom Cowboy Hats
Have you visited Barrels & Bites yet? Let us know your favorite food item and experience!
As always, thanks for following along on another Real Family Vacation.