The 10 Best BBQ Festivals in the US Worth Travelling For

If you're a BBQ enthusiast looking to experience the best barbecue festivals in the USA, you've come to the right place! From mouthwatering pork ribs to flavorful beef brisket, the US is home to some of the most exciting BBQ festivals in the world.

Here, we highlight the top US BBQ festivals worth travelling for. So grab a napkin and get ready for a mouthwatering tour of the best BBQ in the USA!

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1. American World Series of Barbecue

For any barbecue enthusiast, heading to Kansas City for the American World Series of Barbecue is like stepping into BBQ heaven. This grand festival isn't just another cookout; it's the Olympics of barbecue!

Here, you'll witness the magic as hundreds of the world's finest BBQ competitors go head-to-head in a sizzling showdown of ribs, brisket, and chicken. But it's not all about watching and salivating; you'll get to dive into a plethora of barbecue samples and flavours yourself, exploring a vast array of stalls that serve up some of the most delectable, smoky goodness you've ever tasted.

Beyond the bites, the air buzzes with the sounds of live music, making the atmosphere truly electric. And if you're keen to up your own BBQ game, don't miss the chance to learn from the best at one of the many cooking demonstrations. 

This festival is a pilgrimage for the BBQ devout, offering a taste of the pinnacle of barbecue culture. So, if you're ready for an adventure that satisfies the soul as much as the stomach, this is one festival you won't want to miss.

2. W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival

For an experience that perfectly marries the soulful sounds of blues with the tantalizing BBQ flavours, make your way to Henderson, Kentucky, for the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival.

This free festival (yes, you read that right, it's FREE) is one of America's largest music festivals, so you can enjoy a taste of Henderson barbecue while listening to some of the best blues music around. Two past times deeply rooted in the American experience.

This festival attracts not only the finest BBQ vendors from across the nation but also some of the most talented blues musicians. It's a cultural event that promises fantastic food and an unforgettable atmosphere of camaraderie and music.

Ideal for those who appreciate the finer things in life, the W.C. Handy Festival is a testament to the joys of good company, great music, and even greater BBQ.

3. Jack Daniel's World Championship

If there's a festival that marries the fiery art of barbecue with the soulful essence of whiskey, it's the Jack Daniel's World Championship in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Picture this: elite BBQ teams from around the globe competing under the watchful eyes of Old No. 7, each aiming to be crowned the world champion. This isn't just a BBQ competition; it's a celebration where you can indulge in some of the finest BBQs and lose yourself in the rhythm of live music.

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The combination of smoky flavours pairs perfectly with that distinct whiskey taste. It's a match made in culinary heaven. So, why not make this event a highlight of your BBQ tour of the USA?

Exploring the grounds and discovering tasty delights as you walk between barbecue tents promises spirited tunes, plenty of Jack Daniel's sauce, and memories that last a lifetime.

4. American Royal World Series of Barbecue

If you're plotting a journey to dive deep into the heart of American BBQ culture, then the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri, is a must.

The event's centrepiece is an arena teeming with over 500 BBQ maestros from every corner of the globe, all battling it out in a smoke-filled showdown that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. 

Here, you can meander through a labyrinth of smokers and grills, each offering a taste of something spectacularly smoky, from ribs that fall off the bone to brisket so tender it practically melts in your mouth.

It's not just about eating. You'll also get to revel in the buzz of live tunes and pick up a tip or two from the pros at cooking demos. So, if you're up for an epic BBQ adventure, this Kansas City spectacle can't be missed.

5. Windy City Ribfest

If you're planning a trip to Chicago, mark your calendars for the Windy City Ribfest. This gem of a festival is a paradise for rib lovers, offering some of the most succulent, finger-licking good ribs you'll find stateside.

The Ribfest is an epicentre of barbecue and a hive of activity. The streets are full of sweet, smoky flavours, and the sound of live music ricochets off the surrounding buildings. This isn't just a feast for your stomach but a treat for all of your senses.

With activities for all ages, it's the perfect spot for families or anyone looking to dive deep into the heart of American BBQ culture amidst the iconic backdrop of Chicago.

What are you waiting for? Get ready to face the wind and a whole heap of barbecue sauce at the Windy City Ribfest.

6. BBQ Austin

Thinking of heading to Austin, Texas? If so, BBQ Austin is a must-visit.

This fest is a vibrant showcase of everything the Lone Star State is all about. Imagine succulent brisket smoked to perfection, spicy sausages that burst with flavour and make a sumptuous snapping sound with every bite, and an atmosphere as warm and welcoming as a southern hug.

As you explore the BBQ Austin grounds, you'll encounter live music, as well as all the drinks and BBQ you can handle. So make sure you have a big appetite because you'll need to make room for BBQ classics and new dishes alike.

7. Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle

If your BBQ voyage takes you near the US political heart, you cannot miss the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle in Washington, DC.

This mammoth festival pits top BBQ teams against each other in a sizzling competition that's far more thrilling than any political debate! Picture the streets of America's capital filled with the intoxicating aromas of smoked meats as live bands provide the soundtrack to this gourmet delight.

With various activities that entertain and engage, including cooking demos by seasoned pitmasters, this event is a feast for both the palate and the soul. And let's not forget the chance to sample some of the country's finest BBQ, making it a pivotal stop on your stateside BBQ tour.

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8. Lexington BBQ Festival

Slide down to Lexington, North Carolina, where the Lexington BBQ Festival pays homage to the state's storied BBQ tradition. It's not just a festival; it's a celebration of the smoky pork shoulders and tangy vinegar-based sauces that define North Carolina BBQ.

The Lexington BBQ Festival is a party celebrating the tangy, vinegar-based sauces that define North Carolina BBQ. In addition to a plethora of food vendors, the festival's side dishes of activity include axe throwing, sand sculptures, a dinosaur exhibit, and much more, so the whole family can get in on the entertainment.

The main event is, of course, the meat. And, with over 250 vendors, you'll leave with a full stomach and a face covered in BBQ sauce.

Between bites, you'll find yourself tapping your feet to live music or watching BBQ masters at work in cooking competitions. During the BBQ festival, Lexington flourishes into a vibrant, flavorful testament to BBQ's place in North Carolina culture, promising an unforgettable day for any BBQ buff.