Eat Your Way Across America at These Annual Barbecue Festivals

The Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition draws in nearly 100 master barbecue teams from all over the world to compete in seven categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder/butts, beef brisket, dessert, cook's choice and Jack Daniel's sauce. Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue — The Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition draws in nearly 100 master barbecue teams from all over the world to compete in seven categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder/butts, beef brisket, dessert, cook’s choice and Jack Daniel’s sauce. Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue

Barbecue is a tradition so celebrated and revered that festivals all over the country are devoted to the act of smoking an incredible array of ribs, pork, beef, chicken and more. Barbecue festival season kicks off in the spring, with celebrations, cook-offs and competitions held all over the USA until late fall. From festivals in major cities to small-town cook-offs, there are enough barbecue festivals on the books that you could attend one practically every weekend with the right travel plans.

In general, the barbecue teams and cooks that participate in these festivals pay homage to Memphis-, Texas-, St. Louis-, Kansas City- and Carolina-style barbecue, experimenting with spice rubs, slathering meats with thick, sweet sauces, or dressing shredded tendrils of pork with a tart vinegar-based dip. It doesn’t matter which style you prefer — there’s a festival where you can find it. And if you’re able to snag tickets to a barbecue competition, you’ll be able to get your hands on some mouth-watering, award-winning creations.

We’ve rounded up some of the best barbecue festivals in the country, so you can choose from America’s largest, most popular and most promising events when planning your travel.