While BBQ and Barrels may be known for its exceptional barbecue and renowned bourbon, the event offers so much more, making it one of Owensboro’s premier family-friendly festivals.
The festivities begin on Friday, May 9, at 12:00PM for BBQ fans to satisfy their cravings during lunch from the legendary church cooking teams or from one of the 20+ BBQ vendors lining 2nd Street in downtown Owensboro. The activities continue throughout the day with dozens of arts & craft vendors, live music on the courthouse lawn, rides and games in the classic carnival area just east of the Blue Bridge, and plenty of sweet treats to indulge in.
Don’t forget to get your tickets for the 50/50 Raffle throughout festival weekend. There will be ticket booths along 2nd St. in addition to QR codes throughout the event to quickly grab your chance at a half pot prize to kick off your summer.
Saturday, May 10, the activities start early with the Owensboro Family YMCA’s Annual Fundraiser Fun Run. Participants can enjoy a morning of physical activity while supporting a meaningful cause. The rest of the day continues with mounds of BBQ, plenty of live music by local bands on the courthouse lawn, carnival rides and games, in addition to hand-made crafts. A fan-favorite is a stroll through the Backyard Cooking Competition on Locust and Cedar Streets, where BBQ fans can taste samples from almost 40 different competition cooking teams from 10 AM – 12 PM.
Be sure to grab your tickets to the Bourbon Experience inside the Owensboro Convention Center on Saturday, May 10. VIP tickets are sold out, but some general admission tickets are still available for bourbon enthusiasts to taste sample from 40 distillers!
One of the highlights of the weekend is the free live music featured throughout the event.
- On Friday, May 9, the acclaimed Resurrection – A Journey Tribute will take the stage, and Lindsey James Williams will kick things off on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center at 6:00 PM.
- On Saturday, May 10, enjoy a performance by multi-platinum country artist Clay Walker, with special guest Drew Baldridge on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center at 6:00 PM.
Another highlight of this fun and unique weekend is the BBQ vendors featured during this event:
- On Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, Church Cooking Teams will be selling their delicious BBQ creations beginning starting at 12:00PM around the courthouse on 2nd St.
Whether you’re attending for the food, the entertainment, or the sense of community, BBQ and Barrels offers a weekend experience that everyone can enjoy.