2019 Bar-B-Q Festival

On the second Saturday in May, Owensboro springs to life with the wonderful smells and sounds of the International Bar‑B‑Q Festival!  Head downtown on May 10 and 11 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 brings everyone together on Owensboro’s beautiful riverfront and foreshadows the summer’s events.  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. 

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.  Click here for more info.