This blog post was updated on June 26, 2023.
If a pulled pork sandwich makes your go pitter-pat, you’re in luck. No matter where you travel in the U.S., you’ll be able to get your barbecue fix.. From backyard summer parties to hole-in-the-wall joints that know how to cook it low and slow, you’d be hard pressed not to find a plate of barbecue that suits your fancy. And luckily for foodies all across the country, the U.S. also hosts many barbecue festivals throughout the year, where you can see some of the best of the best pit masters compete…and sample some of their wares as well.
Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Contest
Set up in downtown Memphis in Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River, the Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Contest boasts more than 230 teams competing from across the country and around the world to share their delectable creations. You can purchase different tiers of tickets for the event, including one in which you can judge and sample the barbecue firsthand. In addition to good old-fashioned barbecue, the event includes plenty of other vendors, music, and drinks, as well as more out-there events like a Miss Piggy Idol competition.
Big Apple Barbecue Block Party — New York City
New York City and barbecue don’t seem like a likely pair, but for one weekend in June, the Big Apple might just house the best ‘cue in the country. The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party brings in a legendary lineup of barbecue greats from around the country. The event stretches across several city blocks in and around Madison Square Park and features top chefs and pit masters from legendary barbecue joints across the United States. Competitors serve up award-winning brisket, ribs, and whole hogs. The event also features an eclectic lineup of live music.
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue — Kansas City, MO
Held each year in Kansas City, Missouri, the American Royal World Series of Barbecue claims to be the world’s largest barbecue competition. The two-day festival, a tradition since 1980, draws hundreds of competing teams. In addition, attendees are treated to live local music, kids activities, a BBQ Marketplace, and a car show. The dates of the event vary every year, but it usually occurs in late summer to early fall.
International Bar-B-Q Festival — Owensboro, KY
A 40-year tradition, the International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky features a number of events leading up to the main act, the Governor’s Cup football game. Local barbeque teams compete for awards, including ones for burgoo (spicy stew), chicken, and mutton. In addition to the Governor’s Cup, the festival includes a Backyard Cookoff, in which backyard barbecue chefs fire up their grills and smokers for a chance to compete alongside the best pit masters in the region. The International Bar-B-Q Festival also features a 5k run/walk, a pie eating contest, arts and crafts, and the ever-appealing mutton glutton sandwich-eating competition.
The Barbecue Festival — Lexington, NC
Now in its 35th year, the Barbecue Festival in Lexington, North Carolina, takes barbecue to a whole new level. Calling itself the Barbecue Capital of the World, Lexington officially declares October barbecue month. Held across a 10-block stretch of Main Street, the festival features over 400 exhibitors and draws over 200,000 people. Not only does the Barbecue Festival in Lexington bring on the barbecue, but it also celebrates the eccentric with 50-ton, pig-themed sand sculptures and a bicycle stunt show.
I Love BBQ & Music Festival — Lake Placid, NY
It’s all in the name. The I Love BBQ & Music Festival in Lake Placid, New York, is held annually in early July. Not only does the festival bring in loads of musical performances, it also features teams competing over the best brisket, pork, and chicken. The three-day event brings the best BBQ competitors from around the nation. Aside from sampling opportunities, festival-goers will find lively food and drink and kids activities.
Did we leave off your favorite barbecue festival? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
