Get ready for the best BBQ events in 2025 – food, fun, and flames await!

Are you ready for a smoky, delicious journey in 2025? First, this year, the U.S. will host exciting BBQ events in 2025, each with unique flavors, competitions, and community vibes. Whether you love tender pork ribs, slow-smoked brisket, or creative BBQ twists, there’s an event for you. Next, we’ll explore the Northeast’s city festivals. Then, we’ll dive into the Southeast’s BBQ traditions. After that, we’ll cover the Midwest’s competitive scene. Finally, we’ll wrap up with the West Coast’s innovative BBQ experiences.

These festivals offer more than food. For example, they celebrate tradition and bring people together. Expect tasty bites, contests, and live music. Additionally, many include family fun like cooking demos. Now, let’s break down the top BBQ events in 2025 by region. This way, you can plan your trip with ease.

Top BBQ Events in 2025: Northeast’s Smoky City Vibes

The Northeast isn’t BBQ’s traditional home, but its festivals are growing. Here are three must-visit BBQ events in 2025 with urban flair.

1. National BBQ Festival – Nassau County, NY
   Dates: June 13-15, 2025
   Location: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY
   This Southern-style fest features top pitmasters, live music, and a $100,000 prize pool. Tickets start at $20, with free parking. Kids’ zones and cooking demos add family fun.
   Website: nationalbbqfestival.com
2. Pig Island NYC – Staten Island, NY
   Dates: September 6, 2025
   Location: Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island, NY
   A pork fest with all-you-can-eat dishes, craft beer, and live bands. Tickets are $75, with limited parking nearby.
   Website: pigisland.com
3. Philly BBQ Fest – Philadelphia, PA
   Dates: June 27-29, 2025
   Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
   Food trucks, live music, and a $50,000 BBQ competition. Tickets start at $30, with free shuttle service.
   Website: pabbqfest.com

Southeast BBQ Events 2025: Where Tradition Thrives

The Southeast is BBQ’s heartland, known for pork. These three BBQ events in 2025 blend tradition with community spirit.

1. World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest – Memphis, TN
   Dates: May 14-17, 2025
   Location: Liberty Park, Memphis, TN
   The largest pork BBQ contest, with over 200 teams in ribs, shoulder, and whole hog. Tickets are $15, with free parking. Live music and shopping add to the fun.
   Website: memphisinmay.org
2. Carolina BBQ Festival – Charlotte, NC
   Dates: April 4-5, 2025
   Location: Uptown Charlotte, NC
   Celebrate Carolina-style BBQ with demos, samples, and charity support. Tickets start at $25, with free kids’ entry.
   Website: carolinabbqfest.org
3. The Jack – Lynchburg, TN
   Dates: October 10-11, 2025
   Location: Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg, TN
   A prestigious contest with a $50,000 prize, set against scenic views. Tickets are $40, with whiskey tastings included.
   Website: jackdaniels.com

Midwest BBQ Events 2025: Competitive and Flavorful

The Midwest, led by Kansas City, is BBQ’s competitive hub. These three BBQ events in 2025 are must-visits for flavor and fun.

1. American Royal World Series of Barbecue – Kansas City, MO
   Dates: October 30 – November 2, 2025
   Location: Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, MO
   The world’s largest BBQ event with 500+ teams in beef, pork, and poultry. Tickets start at $20, with free parking.
   Website: americanroyal.com
2. Windy City Smokeout – Chicago, IL
   Dates: July 10-13, 2025
   Location: United Center, Chicago, IL
   BBQ meets country music with top pitmasters and craft beer. Tickets are $75, with shuttle services available.
   Website: windycitysmokeout.com
3. World Food Championships – Indianapolis, IN
   Dates: October 16-19, 2025
   Location: Various locations, Indianapolis, IN
   A series of BBQ contests with a $100,000 prize pool. Tickets start at $30, with free entry for kids under 12.
   Website: worldfoodchampionships.com

Southwest BBQ Events 2025: Brisket Heaven

The Southwest is famous for beef BBQ, especially brisket. These three BBQ events in 2025 are perfect for meat lovers.

1. Fort Worth Stockyards BBQ Festival – Fort Worth, TX
   Dates: April 12, 2025
   Location: Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth, TX
   A Texas showdown with 45+ pitmasters, 8,000+ attendees, and brisket contests. Tickets are $25, with free parking.
   Website: rodeohouston.com
2. HOUBBQ – Houston, TX
   Dates: April 6, 2025
   Location: Humble Civic Center, Houston, TX
   Showcases Michelin-recognized BBQ joints, focusing on Texas brisket. Tickets start at $20, with free entry for kids.
   Website: houbbq.com
3. Red River’s 8750’ BBQ & Music Festival – Red River, NM
   Dates: August 14-17, 2025
   Location: Red River Ski Area, Red River, NM
   A mountain fest with BBQ cookoffs, red chili, green chile, and live music. Tickets are $30, with free parking.
   Website: redriver.org

West BBQ Events 2025: Fresh and Creative

The West Coast adds flair to BBQ, from smoked salmon to wine pairings. These three BBQ events in 2025 offer unique experiences.

1. Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off – Sparks, NV
   Dates: August 29 – September 1, 2025
   Location: Victorian Square, Sparks, NV
   A massive rib fest with 350,000+ attendees and a $100,000 prize pool. Tickets start at $15, with free shuttle service.
   Website: nuggetribcookoff.com
2. BBQ Music Fest – Huntington Beach, CA
   Dates: August 15-17, 2025
   Location: Huntington Beach Pier, Huntington Beach, CA
   A beachside bash with BBQ contests, live music, and a relaxed vibe. Tickets are $40, with free parking.
   Website: bbqmusicfest.com
3. Lodi Beer Fest and State BBQ Championship – Lodi, CA
   Dates: April 26, 2025
   Location: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, Lodi, CA
   Pair BBQ with craft beer, featuring a $50,000 prize pool. Tickets start at $35, with free entry for kids under 12.
   Website: grapefestival.com

Conclusion: Plan Your BBQ Adventure in 2025!

From New York’s urban BBQ to California’s creative flair, BBQ events in 2025 offer something for everyone. Whether you’re there for the food, competition, or community, these festivals are unforgettable. Start planning now, and check event websites for tickets. Which event excites you most? Share below!

Want more BBQ inspiration? Read about Regional BBQ Styles.