Collier County’s beloved pre-Thanksgiving tradition, The Farm-City BBQ, is back for its 68th year! This cherished gathering of food, fellowship, and purpose will bring together thousands of attendees from the business community, elected officials, and neighbors – donned in cowboy hats, jeans, and boots – on November 26, 2025, at 11:30 am at the Collier County Fairgrounds.
What began decades ago as a simple gesture of support between local farmers and business leaders has grown into an opportunity for leaders from the county’s coastal and interior regions to feast on locally grown food, give thanks for a thriving community, and support the next generation of youth on the day before Thanksgiving.
This wildly popular, fun event includes networking, live music by Back Country Boys Band, and a hearty steak lunch served with Immokalee-grown vegetables as well as beer and wine. As a true, heartfelt display of service and tradition, volunteer business leaders man the grills, and sides are served by Collier County elected officials who volunteer as celebrity servers. The event kicks off with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard Presentation of Colors and the official turkey pardon. This light-hearted American tradition spares a live turkey from being slaughtered for Thanksgiving.
Proceeds benefit the youth development programs of Collier County 4H, Collier County Junior Deputies, Key Clubs of Collier County, and Youth Leadership Collier. Youth beneficiaries will be on hand as volunteers to assist with a variety of fundraising opportunities.
About Farm City BBQ
Rooted in a 68-year legacy, this cherished event began when Naples’ business leaders extended a hand to local farmers during a tough harvest year, ensuring no family would go without on Thanksgiving. The following year, the farmers returned the gesture, and a tradition of mutual support and community care was born. At its heart, Farm-City BBQ provides an opportunity to celebrate farmers, business owners, and neighbors and give thanks for the food on our tables, the hands that grow it, and the people who make this community thrive. Today, the Farm-City BBQ continues that legacy, serving up a delicious, locally sourced meal prepared by volunteers and served by Collier County elected officials. To date, the Farm-City BBQ has raised more than $630,000 for youth development programs in Collier County. To learn more, visit FarmCityBBQ.com.