The 10 Best Barbecue and Grilling Festivals in the United States in 2027

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1. Memphis in May World Championship 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Memphis in May World Championship

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is one of the most prestigious barbecue competitions anywhere, held along the Mississippi River in Tom Lee Park, expected in May 2027. About 200 teams compete for a six-figure prize purse.

General admission runs about $15–$20 per day, though much of the competition cooking is for teams and judges; the public attends for the festival atmosphere, music, and vendor barbecue. Memphis-style dry-rub ribs are the regional signature.

It ranks #1 for competition prestige, riverfront scale, and deep Memphis barbecue tradition. Best for travelers who want the championship of championships.

2. American Royal World Series of BBQ 💎 BEST VALUE

American Royal World Series of BBQ

The American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City is billed as one of the world's largest barbecue competitions, expected in September/October 2027. It draws roughly 500-plus teams to the Kansas Speedway area.

Many public areas are free or under $20, and Kansas City's burnt ends, ribs, and sauce-forward style are everywhere. The open competition is one of the biggest amateur-and-pro fields in the sport.

It ranks #2 overall and earns 💎 BEST VALUE for enormous scale at little or no entry cost. Best for budget travelers who want maximum barbecue per dollar.

3. Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, New York

Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, New York

The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party brings pitmasters from across the country to Madison Square Park in Manhattan, expected in June 2027. It assembles legendary smokers in one walkable event.

Entry is free, with sample plates from each pitmaster running about $10–$12. You can taste Texas brisket, Carolina whole hog, and Memphis ribs side by side.

It ranks #3 for assembling top regional pitmasters in one place. Best for travelers who want a barbecue sampler without leaving the city.

4. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off

The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo kicks off the rodeo each late February, expected around February 2027. Hundreds of teams build elaborate cook-off tents.

Tickets run about $20–$30, and the event pairs Texas-style brisket and sausage with live music and carnival rides. It's one of the largest barbecue contests in Texas.

It ranks #4 for Texas-sized scale and rodeo-festival energy. Best for travelers who want barbecue plus a full rodeo experience.

5. Q in the Lou / St. Louis BBQ

Q in the Lou / St. Louis BBQ

St. Louis barbecue festivals celebrate the city's distinctive pork-steak and sticky-sweet-sauce style, with major events expected in 2027 downtown.

Entry runs from free to about $15, with plates of pork steaks, ribs, and snoots at roughly $10–$15. St. Louis has one of the highest barbecue-consumption rates in the country.

It ranks #5 for a regional style many travelers haven't tried. Best for barbecue fans who want something beyond the big four regions.

6. Blue Ridge BBQ Festival, North Carolina

Blue Ridge BBQ Festival, North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival in Tryon, North Carolina, is a state-championship event in the Blue Ridge foothills, expected in June 2027. It's sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

A day ticket runs about $10–$15, with vendor plates of Carolina pulled pork and vinegar-based sauce. The mountain setting adds scenery to the smoke.

It ranks #6 for authentic Carolina whole-hog tradition in a scenic town. Best for travelers who want eastern-Carolina-style pork.

7. Smoked & Slammed / Austin BBQ Events

Smoked & Slammed / Austin BBQ Events

Austin, Texas — home to Franklin Barbecue — hosts barbecue festivals celebrating Central Texas brisket, with events expected through 2027.

Tickets range from free entry to about $50–$100 for tasting-focused events with top pitmasters. Central Texas post-oak-smoked brisket is the gold standard.

It ranks #7 for access to the brisket capital's best pitmasters. Best for brisket purists.

8. Kingsford Invitational / National Championships

Kingsford Invitational / National Championships

Invitational barbecue championships gather the top competition teams of the season for a high-stakes cook-off, with the 2027 edition expected at a major U.S. venue.

These are typically invitation-only to cook but often free or low-cost to spectate. They represent the elite tier of competition barbecue.

It ranks #8 for watching the best teams in the sport compete. Best for serious competition-barbecue followers.

9. Hogs for the Cause, New Orleans

Hogs for the Cause, New Orleans

Hogs for the Cause in New Orleans is a barbecue festival and charity fundraiser supporting pediatric brain-cancer families, expected in spring 2027. It combines competition barbecue with live music.

A day ticket runs about $25–$40, with proceeds going to charity and dozens of teams serving creative pork dishes. It's one of the largest barbecue-driven fundraisers in the country.

It ranks #9 for great barbecue tied to a strong charitable mission. Best for travelers who want their barbecue trip to give back.

10. Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational, Lynchburg

Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational, Lynchburg

The Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue ("The Jack") in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is one of the most coveted invitations in barbecue, expected in October 2027. Teams must win a qualifying contest to compete.

Public admission is generally free or low-cost, set on the distillery grounds. Winning "The Jack" is a career milestone for competition teams.

It ranks #10 for prestige and a distinctive distillery-town setting. Best for travelers combining barbecue with a Tennessee whiskey trip.

How to Choose

• Match the region to the style. Choose Memphis for dry-rub ribs, Kansas City for burnt ends, the Carolinas for vinegar pork, and Austin for Central Texas brisket.
• Decide spectator vs. taster. Memphis in May and The Jack are mostly competition (limited public tasting); the Big Apple Block Party and Hogs for the Cause are built for the public to eat.
• Mind the budget. American Royal and the Big Apple Block Party keep entry free or cheap; premium Austin tasting events can run $50–$100.
• Plan around the calendar. Houston is February, Memphis and the Big Apple are spring/early summer, and American Royal and The Jack are autumn — easy to space across the year.
• Buy early for tasting events. Limited-ticket pitmaster tastings in Austin and charity events like Hogs for the Cause sell out well in advance.

FAQ

Are these festivals kid-friendly? Most major barbecue festivals, like the American Royal in Kansas City, welcome families with dedicated kids’ zones, games, and non-alcoholic areas. However, some evening events may be adults-only, so it’s best to check each festival’s family policies in advance.

How much does it cost to attend a top barbecue festival? General admission typically ranges from free to $20 per person per day, with VIP packages that can go up to $150. Prices vary by location and event, with some smaller festivals offering free entry and larger ones charging for premium tasting areas.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance? For popular festivals like Memphis in May, advance tickets are recommended because day-of prices may be higher or sell out. Many smaller festivals offer walk-up tickets, but buying ahead often guarantees entry and discounts.

What types of barbecue can I expect at these festivals? You’ll find a wide range of regional styles, including Memphis dry rub ribs, Kansas City burnt ends, Texas brisket, and Carolina pulled pork. Many festivals also feature grilling competitions with chicken, pork, and beef categories.

Can I compete in the barbecue competitions? Yes, most festivals allow amateur and professional teams to register, though spots fill quickly. Entry fees for teams typically range from $200 to $1,000, and you’ll need to follow specific rules about meat types and cooking methods.

What should I bring to a barbecue festival? Bring cash for food and drinks, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Some festivals provide seating, but a folding chair or blanket can be helpful for long days. Also, check if outside food or coolers are allowed.

Bottom Line

Memphis in May is the best overall U.S. barbecue festival for 2027 thanks to its championship prestige and riverfront scale, with $15–$20 daily entry. For the best value, the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City offers a giant competition with free or sub-$20 public access.

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Sources

• Memphis in May International Festival — official site
• American Royal Association — World Series of Barbecue official site
• Madison Square Park Conservancy — Big Apple Barbecue Block Party
• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo — World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
• Kansas City Barbeque Society — Blue Ridge BBQ Festival sanctioning
• Hogs for the Cause — official site
• Jack Daniel's — World Championship Invitational Barbecue official info
• Explore Austin / Visit Austin — Austin barbecue events

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