WEST CHESTER, OH (FOX19) - The second annual VOA BBQ Bash is coming back to West Chester on Friday, May 17 & Saturday, May 18.

Thirty-six competitive BBQ teams from around the country will line Pit Road vying for $7,000 in prize money in the Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned Buckeye BBQ championships – the official State Championship competition.

The Leroy Ellington Blues Band, Chuck Brisbin & the Tuna Project, Tempted Souls and G Miles & the Hitmen will headline the festival. Bands will perform 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday and 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

A Kid Again, non-profit offering fun activities for children with serious illnesses and their families, will host the Kid Zone again this year with inflatable rides, a petting zoo, storytelling and more.

WEST CHESTER, OH (FOX19) - Here is a list of upcoming events happening in West Chester:

May 17 and 18 – VOA BBQ Bash – Rotary Club event featuring the state Barbecue Championships. Nearly 40 BBQ team from around the country will compete at this event which also features great Blues music, kids activities and more. Visit www.voabbqbash.com for more information

Saturday, May 18 – West Chester Police Department Bike Rodeo, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MidPointe Library, West Chester. Children should bring along a bike or scooter, a helmet and an adult for some important safety information about riding bikes. Participants will ride through a course designed to promote safety.

WEST CHESTER, OH (FOX19) - The 2013 season of the First Financial Bank After-Hours on The Square concert series kicks off Thursday, May 23.

The popular after work party that signals an early start to the weekend will once again feature great regional bands, and even more food and beverage choices. Naked Karate Girls, Lt. Dan’s New Legs and My Sister Sarah are just a few of the bands headlining this year’s concert series.

The concerts are from 6 to 9 p.m. each Thursday on The Square @ Union Centre, 9285 Centre Pointe Drive. The Square is located off I-75, just west of Muhlhauser Road, with nearby parking and  is free and open to the public.

Alcohol cannot be brought into the concert due to restrictions of the liquor permit. Proceeds from beverage sales benefit the event and local non-profit groups.