First Posted May 9, 2025 | Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by BBQ Pit Master
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to BBQ events, where we will take you on a mouth-watering journey around the world to discover the most exciting barbecue festivals, competitions, and gatherings. From sizzling grill-offs to smokey smoker showcases, these events celebrate the art and culture of outdoor cooking. So, fire up your appetite and let’s dive into the smoky world of BBQ!
Key Takeaways:
BBQ events bring people together from all over the world to share their love for outdoor cooking and barbecue.
Barbecue has diverse cultural origins and each region has its own unique marinades, cooking techniques, and side dishes.
Top BBQ events in the United States include the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City.
BBQ events are not limited to the United States, with exciting festivals and gatherings happening in different countries, such as Jordan and Japan.
When attending BBQ events, it’s important to plan ahead, dress appropriately, arrive early, bring cash, and stay hydrated.
The United States is known for its vibrant BBQ culture and hosts numerous BBQ events throughout the year. From thrilling competitions to mouth-watering smoker showcases, these events bring together BBQ enthusiasts from all walks of life. Here are some of the top BBQ events in the United States that you shouldn’t miss:
1. Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Description: Known as the largest pork barbecue cooking contest in the world, the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a legendary event that attracts teams from across the globe. With delicious food, live music, and a lively atmosphere, this festival is a must-attend for BBQ lovers.
2. American Royal World Series of Barbecue
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Description: The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is the largest BBQ competition in the world. This event showcases not only the best barbecue in Kansas City but also competitions for barbecue sauce and steak grilling. With its rich history and diverse range of flavors, this festival is a paradise for BBQ enthusiasts.
3. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off
Location: Houston, Texas
Description: As the largest barbecue competition in Texas, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off is a true celebration of Southern hospitality and mouth-watering barbecue. With over 250 teams showcasing their skills, this event offers a wide variety of flavors and cooking styles that will leave you craving for more.
4. Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue
Location: Lynchburg, Tennessee
Description: Held at the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is an invitation-only event that brings together the best BBQ teams from around the world. Known for its prestigious competition and world-class entertainment, this event is a must-visit for BBQ connoisseurs.
Description: The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is a unique event that brings top pitmasters from around the country to Madison Square Park. With mouth-watering food, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere, this festival offers a taste of the best barbecue flavors from across America.
If you’re passionate about BBQ and looking for an unforgettable experience, these BBQ events in the United States should be at the top of your list. From the rich heritage of Memphis to the sizzling flavors of Texas, these events showcase the best of American barbecue culture.
BBQ Events Around the World
BBQ events are not limited to the United States, and there are exciting festivals and gatherings around the world. Explore the diverse flavors and techniques of international barbecue traditions at these BBQ events.
Zarb in Jordan
The Bedouin people in Jordan practice zarb, a traditional method of cooking meat in an underground sand oven. This unique cooking technique involves slow-roasting lamb, goat, chicken, carrots, onions, potatoes, and rice. The resulting flavors are rich and savory, making zarb a must-try at BBQ festivals in Jordan.
Yakitori in Japan
Japan is known for its yakitori culture, which involves grilling chicken skewers over white charcoal. The skewers are seasoned with salt or barbecue sauce, resulting in tender, flavorful bites. Experience the art of yakitori at outdoor cooking gatherings and barbecue festivals in Japan.
Korean Barbecue
Korean barbecue is a popular tradition in South Korea, where fresh cuts of pork or beef, such as samgyeopsal and galbi, are grilled at the table. The meats are often marinated in a savory sauce, resulting in succulent and flavorful dishes. Enjoy the interactive experience of Korean barbecue at BBQ cookouts and conventions.
These BBQ events around the world provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures and taste the unique flavors of each region. Discover the global barbecue community and expand your culinary horizons.
BBQ Event
Country
Specialty Barbecue
Zarb Festival
Jordan
Lamb, goat, chicken
Yakitori Festival
Japan
Chicken skewers
Korean Barbecue Convention
South Korea
Pork or beef
Tips for Attending BBQ Events
Attending BBQ events can be an exciting and delicious experience. To make the most of your time at these BBQ festivals, here are some useful tips:
1. Plan Ahead
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s important to plan ahead. Research the BBQ event you’re attending and make note of any must-see demonstrations, workshops, or special events happening throughout the day. Check the event schedule to prioritize your activities and maximize your time.
2. Dress Appropriately
When attending BBQ festivals, dressing appropriately for the weather is crucial. Most BBQ events take place outdoors, so be prepared for both sun and rain. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you’ll likely be on your feet for most of the day. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Arrive Early
To beat the crowds and make the most of your experience, try to arrive early. By arriving early, you can avoid long queues and have ample time to explore all the offerings at the event. This way, you won’t miss out on any mouthwatering BBQ dishes, exciting activities, or live entertainment.
4. Bring Cash
While some vendors may accept card payments, it’s always a good idea to bring cash to BBQ events. Not all vendors have card payment facilities, and having cash on hand allows you to quickly purchase food, drinks, and any impromptu items that catch your eye. Plus, it can save you time by avoiding potential card payment issues.
5. Stay Hydrated
With all the delicious BBQ dishes to indulge in, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re sampling spicy BBQ dishes or enjoying local beverages. Keeping yourself hydrated will ensure you can fully enjoy the flavors and avoid any discomfort.
Following these tips will help you make the most of your experience at BBQ events. From planning ahead to staying comfortable and hydrated, you’ll be ready to enjoy the delicious BBQ dishes, lively atmosphere, and all the excitement that BBQ festivals have to offer.
Conclusion
BBQ events offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse world of barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, these events are a must-attend for those who appreciate good food, cultural exploration, and camaraderie.
From the United States to Jordan, Japan, and Korea, BBQ events showcase the incredible variety of barbecue traditions around the globe. They provide a platform for talented pitmasters to demonstrate their skills, share their knowledge, and offer an unforgettable culinary experience.
While attending BBQ events requires some planning and preparation, the experience is well worth it. Make sure to book tickets in advance, research the event schedule, and arrive early to fully enjoy all the offerings. Don’t forget to dress appropriately, bring cash for convenience, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
So, why miss out on the chance to explore the world of barbecue? Attend BBQ events, indulge in mouthwatering flavors, learn from experts, and connect with fellow BBQ enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to pass up!
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.
