2018 International Bar-B-Q Festival

Attention all Bar-B-Q lovers:  The 2018 International Bar-B-Q Festival is almost here!  Head downtown on May 11 and 12 to cheer on the fierce competition, enjoy the non-stop entertainment like the most famous competitive eater who’s ever lived, Joey “Jaws” Chestnut and of course eat some Bar-B-Q! 

The International Bar-B-Q Festival is the preview to summer and everyone is excited for the fun beginning Friday afternoon and ending Saturday night. 

On Friday, attendees can try some burgoo and Bar-B-Q sandwiches from the cooking teams.  Of course, all the local favorites are there too like Moonlite, Old Hickory and Ole South. 

 On Saturday morning, don’t miss out on the backyard cook-off competition where you can sample tons of great Bar-B-Que from small batch cooking teams.  Saturday afternoon is judging time for the larger cooking teams competing in a fierce Bar-B-Q showdown in an effort to win the Governor’s Cup, the prize awarded to the best overall team.  Festival goers can also experience the true meaning of Bar-B-Q at the Mutton Glutton BBQ Fest VIP Party on Friday and Saturday where they can sample mutton, pork, chicken and burgoo prepared by the cooking teams fresh from the pits. 

Be sure not to miss country music superstar Rodney Atkins at the convention center on Saturday, May 12 at 8 p.m.  Get your tickets here.  If you need to work up an appetite, participate in the annual 5k Run/Walk or the keg toss competition on Saturday morning.  If you have any spare time, take a stroll through the beautiful downtown riverfront, browse the booths of handmade arts and crafts, and explore the local shops and restaurants.

There’s so much to do and so little time!  This is a must-attend event for foodies and festival goers alike.  More info here