Best Bbq Festivals In The US

Best BBQ Festivals In The US

Who doesn’t love a good BBQ festival? From the smell of sizzling meat to the sound of live music, these events are always a good time. And with so many great festivals happening across the country, it can be hard to know which ones to hit up.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best BBQ festivals in the US. Whether you’re a die-hard BBQ fan or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, there’s something on this list for everyone.

1. Memphis in May BBQ Championship 🍖

Known as the Super Bowl of Swine, the Memphis in May BBQ Championship is one of the most prestigious BBQ competitions in the world. Held annually in Memphis, Tennessee, this event draws pitmasters from around the globe who compete for the title of World Champion. But it’s not just about the competition – there’s also live music, carnival rides, and plenty of delicious food to sample.

What makes this festival unique?

Memphis in May is more than just a BBQ competition – it’s also a celebration of the city’s rich music, food, and culture. In addition to the BBQ championship, there’s also a Beale Street Music Festival and a World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which is open to amateur pitmasters.

When is it?

The Memphis in May BBQ Championship is typically held in May, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

2. The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party 🍗

Hosted by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is a two-day event that takes over Madison Square Park in New York City. The festival features some of the best pitmasters in the country, as well as live music and plenty of activities for the whole family.

What makes this festival unique?

The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is unique in that it takes place in the heart of New York City, with skyscrapers towering overhead. Despite the urban setting, the festival has a down-home, Southern feel, complete with plenty of smoked meat and cold beer.

When is it?

The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is typically held in June, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

3. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue 🍖

Held annually in Kansas City, Missouri, the American Royal World Series of Barbecue is one of the largest BBQ competitions in the world. The event features a variety of BBQ categories, including brisket, ribs, and chicken, as well as live music and a carnival.

What makes this festival unique?

The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is unique in that it’s not just a competition – it’s also a charity event. All proceeds from the event go to support the American Royal, a nonprofit organization that promotes agriculture education in the Midwest.

When is it?

The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is typically held in September, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

4. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 🍗

While not strictly a BBQ festival, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest and most iconic events in Texas. In addition to rodeo competitions and carnival rides, the event also features a massive BBQ cook-off, with more than 250 teams competing for prizes.

What makes this festival unique?

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is unique in that it’s not just a BBQ festival – it’s also a celebration of Texas culture. From cowboy boots to country music, this event has it all.

When is it?

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is typically held in February or March, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

5. The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue 🍖

Held annually in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is one of the most prestigious BBQ competitions in the world. The event features more than 90 teams from around the globe, all vying for the title of Grand Champion.

What makes this festival unique?

The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is unique in that it’s held on the grounds of the Jack Daniel’s distillery. In addition to the BBQ competition, visitors can take a tour of the distillery and sample some of the famous whiskey.

When is it?

The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is typically held in October, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

6. The Big Pig Jig 🍗

Held annually in Vienna, Georgia, the Big Pig Jig is one of the oldest and largest BBQ festivals in the country. The event features a variety of BBQ categories, as well as live music, carnival rides, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

What makes this festival unique?

The Big Pig Jig is unique in that it’s not just about the BBQ – it’s also a celebration of small-town Georgia life. From the beauty pageant to the petting zoo, this event has something for everyone.

When is it?

The Big Pig Jig is typically held in November, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

7. The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off 🍖

Held annually in Sparks, Nevada, the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is one of the largest BBQ festivals in the West. The event features more than 20 of the best rib cookers in the country, as well as live music and a carnival.

What makes this festival unique?

The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is unique in that it’s not just about ribs – it’s also a celebration of all things BBQ. From brisket to pulled pork, this festival has it all.

When is it?

The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is typically held in September, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

8. The Big Bend Ranch Rodeo and BBQ Cook-Off 🍗

Held annually in Alpine, Texas, the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo and BBQ Cook-Off is a celebration of Texas’ rich ranching history. The event features a variety of BBQ categories, as well as a ranch rodeo and cowboy poetry.

What makes this festival unique?

The Big Bend Ranch Rodeo and BBQ Cook-Off is unique in that it’s not just about the BBQ – it’s also a celebration of cowboy culture. Visitors can watch real-life cowboys compete in ranch rodeo events, as well as listen to cowboy poetry and music.

When is it?

The Big Bend Ranch Rodeo and BBQ Cook-Off is typically held in August, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

9. The Blue Ridge BBQ Festival 🍖

Held annually in Tryon, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge BBQ Festival is one of the largest BBQ festivals on the East Coast. The event features a variety of BBQ categories, as well as live music, carnival rides, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

What makes this festival unique?

The Blue Ridge BBQ Festival is unique in that it’s held in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can enjoy stunning views while sampling some of the best BBQ in the country.

When is it?

The Blue Ridge BBQ Festival is typically held in June, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

10. The South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s BBQ Beach Bash 🍗

Hosted by the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, the BBQ Beach Bash is a premier food and wine event held on the sands of South Beach in Miami, Florida. The event features some of the best pitmasters in the country, as well as plenty of wine and cocktails to wash it all down.

What makes this festival unique?

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s BBQ Beach Bash is unique in that it combines the best of BBQ and fine dining. Visitors can sample gourmet dishes from some of the country’s most acclaimed chefs while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of a beach BBQ.

When is it?

The South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s BBQ Beach Bash is typically held in February, with the dates varying each year. Check the official website for the latest information.

11. The Praise The Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off