Tennessee’s 7 Best Barbecue Festivals to Add to Your 2026 Calendar

Tennessee knows how to throw a barbecue party. From the smoky streets of Memphis to the mountain towns near the Smokies, the state hosts some of the country’s most exciting BBQ festivals every year.

Whether you love tender ribs, perfectly charred brisket, or just want to enjoy great music and good times with your family, these seven festivals offer something special for everyone who appreciates authentic Southern barbecue.

1. World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest — Memphis

Memphis in May brings together the best pitmasters in America for what many consider the Super Bowl of barbecue competitions. Teams from every corner of the country set up elaborate cooking rigs along the Mississippi River, filling the air with hickory smoke and the mouthwatering smell of slow-cooked pork. Competitors spend days perfecting their recipes for ribs, whole hogs, brisket, and chicken, all hoping to claim the world championship title.

Walking through the festival grounds feels like stepping into BBQ heaven. You’ll see massive custom smokers, creative team themes, and serious competition happening at every turn. Beyond the professional cook-off, there’s live music, family activities, and plenty of chances to sample some of the finest barbecue you’ll ever taste.

2. Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championship — Lebanon

Mark your calendar for March 20–21, 2026, when Lebanon transforms into barbecue central. This Kansas City Barbecue Society–sanctioned championship attracts an impressive lineup of 100 professional teams plus 50 backyard competitors, all battling for top honors in multiple categories. The level of skill on display is absolutely incredible, with teams bringing their A-game and secret recipes they’ve perfected over the years.

You’ll witness serious competition techniques, from temperature monitoring to meat selection, while also seeing creative approaches from passionate backyard enthusiasts. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement as smoke billows from countless grills and competitors work their magic.

Spectators get front-row seats to championship-level barbecue making. The early spring timing means you can kick off your festival season in style, surrounded by amazing food and the camaraderie that makes BBQ culture so special.

3. Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass — Sevierville

Sevierville’s historic downtown comes alive May 15–16, 2026, with a perfect blend of championship barbecue and authentic bluegrass music. Picture yourself strolling through charming streets where the sound of banjos and fiddles mixes with the aroma of smoking ribs. This festival captures the heart of Appalachian culture, combining two things Tennessee does better than anywhere else.

Families love this event because there’s genuinely something for everyone. Kids can enjoy special activities while parents sample competition-worthy BBQ and tap their feet to live mountain music. The downtown setting adds historic charm you won’t find at bigger festivals, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels authentically Tennessee.

Championship pitmasters bring their finest work, competing for prizes while bluegrass bands keep the energy high throughout the weekend.

4. Boro BBQ Festival — Murfreesboro

Hop Springs Park becomes Middle Tennessee’s barbecue headquarters every May when the Boro BBQ Festival rolls into town. This beloved community event has earned its reputation by keeping things fun, accessible, and delicious year after year. Competitive cooking teams face off in serious competition, but the real star might be the People’s Choice voting—where you get to be the judge.

That’s right: festival-goers can taste samples and vote for their favorites, making everyone feel like part of the action. Local vendors set up shop alongside the BBQ competitors, offering crafts, snacks, and drinks that round out the experience. Live entertainment keeps the park buzzing with energy from morning until evening.

Murfreesboro knows how to throw a party that feels welcoming to newcomers and longtime fans alike. The park setting provides plenty of space for kids to run around while adults enjoy world-class barbecue. It’s the kind of festival that brings the whole community together over shared love of great food.

5. Chester County Barbecue Festival — Henderson

Henderson’s courthouse square transforms into a classic Southern celebration every September, offering the kind of small-town charm that makes Tennessee special. This festival proves you don’t need big-city resources to create something memorable—just good food, friendly people, and community spirit.

The courthouse square setting creates an intimate atmosphere where everyone knows everyone, or at least feels like they do by the end of the day. You’ll find families spreading blankets on the grass, kids running between booths, and the kind of relaxed vibe that only small-town festivals can deliver. The barbecue itself stays true to West Tennessee traditions, with recipes passed down through generations.

September timing means cooler weather starting to creep in, making it perfect for enjoying hot, smoky meats without sweltering summer heat.

6. Bartlett Festival, BBQ Contest & Car Show — Bartlett

October 2–3, 2026, brings triple the fun to Bartlett with a festival that combines barbecue competition, classic automobiles, and family entertainment all in one weekend.

Car enthusiasts and food lovers unite here, creating an unusually diverse crowd that makes people-watching almost as fun as the main events. Kids have dedicated activity areas keeping them entertained for hours, while parents can admire chrome bumpers and sample championship-caliber ribs.

The fall timing adds special appeal—cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and that perfect autumn weather for outdoor festivals. It’s become the ideal way to ease into the holiday season while celebrating two very different but equally beloved American pastimes under Tennessee skies.

7. Big BBQ Bash — Townsend

Townsend, the peaceful gateway to the Smokies, hosts this Kansas City Barbeque Society–sanctioned cook-off September 25–26, 2026. Competitors face off in four major categories: pork, chicken, ribs, and brisket, with prizes and bragging rights on the line. The mountain setting adds something special you won’t find at flatland festivals—stunning views of the Smokies creating a backdrop that makes every photo Instagram-worthy.

Being KCBS-sanctioned means this competition follows strict rules and attracts serious pitmasters who know their craft inside and out. You’ll witness cooking techniques refined over decades, secret rubs applied with precision, and the kind of dedication that separates good barbecue from championship-level perfection.

Late September brings ideal weather to the mountains—warm days, cool nights, and fall colors just starting to appear on the hillsides.