Vista’s historical museum is serving barbecue with a side of trophy-winning blues.

The Vista Historical Society’s annual barbecue returns Saturday, Sept. 19, at Rancho Minerva.

This year, the musician is considerably more than background noise near the beans.

Anthony Cullins—better known as “The Fallbrook Kid”—is scheduled to perform

Cullins has won a San Diego Music Award four years in a row.

Best Blues Artist in 2023.

Best Blues Artist again in 2024.

Artist of the Year in 2025.

Then Inside Out & Backwards won Album of the Year in 2026.

Four years. Four awards.

That is quite a résumé for an afternoon beside the coleslaw.

The Blues Brought Credentials

Cullins’ official biography lists influences ranging from blues, R&B and funk to soul, rock and jazz. He describes his improvisational style as “psychedelic soul music.”

The barbecue runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Vista Historical Society & Museum, 2317 Old Foothill Drive.

Adult tickets cost $30. Tickets for children 10 and younger cost $10.

The Society’s website says adult tickets may be purchased in advance. Children’s tickets are sold at the door so organizers can verify age.

The event announcement says a ticket purchase includes one barbecue plate.

The listed menu features pulled pork and smoked chicken, along with corn on the cob, barbecue beans, coleslaw and a roll. The wording does not clearly explain whether guests choose one meat or receive both.

One scoop of ice cream is included.

History may be worth preserving.

The ice cream apparently has other plans.

The Barbecue Has a Backstory

The Society’s official calendar calls it the Annual BBQ.

Social media gives it more swagger: BBQ, Blues & Brews.

The event has answered to several names over the years, including Old Fashioned Pit Barbeque, Pit BBQ and Summer BBQ.

Documented editions appear in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. The Society said the 2020 barbecue was missed because of the pandemic.

Across earlier editions, the organization documented meat prepared in its barbecue pit, live bands and raffles. The 2019 gathering even included an apple-dessert contest.

Apparently, barbecue once came with competitive baking.

Past events offered lemonade and water with the meal while selling beer and wine separately.

That does not confirm the 2026 beverage lineup.

This year’s announcement promises “cold drinks” but does not identify them or explain what the “Brews” portion of the name includes.

The barbecue is confirmed.

The blues are confirmed.

The brews remain the mysterious third act.

One Question at the Museum Door

The Society describes Rancho Minerva as a vintage 1933 ranch-style property.

Its first museum opened in 1994. The Rancho Minerva museum opened in 2009.

There is one practical wrinkle: The Society’s website currently lists the museum as temporarily closed. It does not explain why or say whether indoor exhibits will be accessible during the barbecue.

The special event remains listed on the official calendar.

For Vista, the recipe is simple: an old local tradition, a historic setting and a North County musician with four consecutive awards.

The beans may be traditional.

The soundtrack is bringing credentials.

Questions You May Have About Vista BBQ, Blues & Brews

When is Vista’s BBQ, Blues & Brews?

Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Where is the barbecue?

Vista Historical Society & Museum, 2317 Old Foothill Drive in Vista.

How much are tickets?

Adults are $30. Children 10 and younger are $10, with children’s tickets sold at the door.

Who is performing?

Anthony Cullins, who has won a San Diego Music Award four consecutive years.

Will the museum exhibits be open?

The Society has not confirmed that. Its website currently lists the museum as temporarily closed.