Fifteen years ago, the Tampa Pig Jig was a backyard barbecue. A group of lifelong Tampa friends threw it to raise money for Will Wellman, who had just been diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease known as FSGS. On Saturday, October 17, the 15th Tampa Pig Jig will fill Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, with Country music star Thomas Rhett headlining, and it arrives six months after the disease that started it all received its first FDA-approved treatment.

The Food and Drug Administration approved sparsentan, sold as Filspari, for FSGS on April 13, according to NephCure, the nonprofit Pig Jig has raised money for since its first year. Organizers say the event is now NephCure's largest annual donor in the country and has helped launch nearly 60 clinical trials.

From a backyard to the riverfront

What began as a cookout among friends now takes over a park on the Hillsborough River, across the water from downtown, with national country and rock acts, a corporate barbecue competition, and a crowd that sells out the event every year. The cause has not changed. Proceeds go to NephCure, which supports research into FSGS and nephrotic syndrome, and to local nonprofits through the HopeWill Foundation.

"As we celebrate 15 years of Tampa Pig Jig, the FDA approval of the first-ever treatment for FSGS is a powerful reminder of why we started this event and what we're working toward," said Chris Whitney, Tampa Pig Jig co-founder and HopeWill Foundation board president. "This milestone represents hope for people like Will Wellman, patients and families who have waited far too long for treatment options, and shows what is possible when a community comes together to make a difference."

What the day looks like

Gates open at 1 PM, and the first act takes the stage around the same time. The lineup includes Midland, Kameron Marlowe, Sister Hazel and Cassidy Daniels, with Thomas Rhett scheduled to headline around 8:20 PM and fireworks after the show. Organizers note that all times are subject to change. The event's ticket listing bills Rhett as a Diamond-certified country star and Midland as two-time Grammy nominees, and names RIPA, Valley Bank and The Baldwin Group as presenting sponsors.

Between sets, the barbecue is the other main event. Corporate teams from local businesses compete on the pit rows, and guests can walk the rows and meet the people behind each smoker. The teams are amateur cooks competing for the title, so food for sale comes from Food Row, where vendors including Just Smokin' BBQ, Graze, Chill Bros., Kurt's Sausage and Skoops serve brisket, pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches, pork spare ribs, gourmet sausages, hot chicken tenders, ice cream, Italian ice and more.

Cashless bars and Tampa Pig Jig merchandise tents fill out the grounds, and the listing also promises games and music by local acts performing on a second stage that is a Tampa Pig Jig float! Families can come too: children 10 and under get in free with a ticketed adult, at the same access level as that adult.

If you go

The 15th Tampa Pig Jig is Saturday, October 17, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd, Tampa. Gates open at 1 PM.

General admission is $140. GA+ is $275 and adds a fast-pass entry lane, a viewing area closer to the stage, three drinks and a $10 merchandise credit. The Milestone Supply Lounge is $590 and includes unlimited barbecue and drinks, tastings and partner activations, private bathrooms, shaded seating and front-row access to the stage. Prices include taxes and fees.

Only a limited number of tickets remain and are available on Tixr.