Get ready to follow the irresistible smell of smoked meat! Tennessee in the fall isn’t just about colorful leaves—it’s about smoky, savory, mouthwatering BBQ that draws crowds from all over. Small towns and big cities alike celebrate their pitmasters, secret rubs, and slow-cooked traditions with festivals that feel like a giant, delicious family reunion. Imagine tents stacked with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, live music setting the rhythm, and locals showing off recipes handed down through generations. Every bite tells a story of flavor, fire, and pride, and the energy is as rich as the sauce. From friendly competitions to cook-off showdowns, these festivals turn streets into a smoky, festive wonderland. Grab your napkins, bring your appetite, and let Tennessee’s fall BBQ celebrations prove that tradition tastes better when shared. Get ready to savor autumn, one smoky bite at a time!
Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue
In the tiny town of Lynchburg, the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is a global stage for BBQ excellence. Every October, pitmasters converge to compete in categories like whole hog, ribs, and the iconic Jack Daniel’s Sauce.
The event, invitation-only for champions, draws a crowd of around 40,000 spectators. Wiseman Park becomes a hub of smoke, live music, and quirky traditions like butt bowling. Families enjoy activities, distillery tours, and vendor booths, celebrating Tennessee’s rich BBQ lore. Official scoring is handled by Kansas City Barbeque Society judges, ensuring a prestigious competition.
Hub City BBQ Fest (Jacob Barker Music Fest)
Hub City BBQ Fest lights up downtown Jackson each October, pairing a KCBS-sanctioned cook-off with the Jacob Barker Music Fest. Teams vie for state championship points while locals participate in People’s Choice tasting. Lafayette Street transforms into a tasting strip where visitors mingle with cooks and savor regional sauces.
The festival features family-friendly activities like a kids zone, live bands, and artisan vendors. Evening awards celebrate top pitmasters as judges finalize scores. Community fundraising efforts add a meaningful touch, making it a beloved annual tradition in Jackson.
Bartlett Festival — BBQ Contest & Car Show
Bartlett Festival turns W. J. Freeman Park into a BBQ haven each October, featuring a Memphis Barbecue Network–sanctioned contest and a car show. Backyard teams and pro crews compete, serving plates for People’s Choice while judges deliberate categories like pulled pork. Pedal tractor races and a 5K add excitement for kids and runners.
Vendor booths offer local crafts and sauces. The picnic atmosphere invites attendees to engage with pitmasters, learn about smokers, and enjoy award-winning bites. It’s a day of fun, flavor, and family-friendly activities in Bartlett.
Arlington BBQ Burnout
Arlington BBQ Burnout unfolds over two days, blending competitive BBQ with carnival rides and live music. Memphis Barbecue Network teams showcase their skills, while backyard heroes present secret rubs. Douglas Road Park becomes a festive ground where People’s Choice voting involves everyone. Local restaurants join to flaunt signature sauces, contributing to community programs.
The event exudes smoky aromas and vibrant energy as pitmasters display techniques. It’s a celebration of culinary prowess and community spirit, making Arlington BBQ Burnout a cherished fall tradition.
PigFest TN (Hendersonville Pig Fest)
PigFest TN in Hendersonville transforms Veterans Park into a barbecue playground with a sanctioned competition and lively pig races. Pro teams and backyard divisions compete in categories like pork and ribs, while festivalgoers enjoy People’s Choice voting. A kids’ zone offers inflatables and art projects, keeping young ones entertained.
The festival concludes with an evening concert that draws music fans from across Middle Tennessee, fostering community bonds through shared food and fun.
Mid-South Barbecue Festival — Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant’s Mid-South Barbecue Festival is a weekend of rivalry and camaraderie among pitmasters. The downtown square hosts KCBS teams competing in ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Live bands provide a musical backdrop, adding to the festive atmosphere. Vendor lanes showcase local artisans and sauce makers, offering tasting tents for visitors to cast People’s Choice votes.
Family activities and cooking demos educate aspiring cooks. Championship results and trophy presentations conclude the weekend, celebrating BBQ excellence in the heart of Mount Pleasant.
Bolivar BBQ Blowout & Music Festival
Bolivar’s BBQ Blowout blends smoke and live music into a downtown celebration. Competing in pro and backyard divisions, participants aim for Memphis-area prizes. Local bands perform on main stages amid tasting tents. Arts and vendor stalls line the walkways, with downtown restaurants offering specials. Competitors vie for prizes in various meat categories.
Family activities and a kids’ area keep the atmosphere lively. Awards recognize both traditional recipes and innovative takes on BBQ classics, highlighting Bolivar’s community spirit and culinary creativity each autumn.
BBQ Fest: Across the River — Clarksville
Clarksville’s BBQ Fest: Across the River offers a two-night showcase at RichEllen Park. Local grills meet visiting pitmasters in a friendly taste-off. Families sample ribs and regional sauces while enjoying live stages and food truck lanes.
Winners earn cash and bragging rights. The scenic riverfront adds charm, with vendor aisles offering craft goods. With lively music and children’s activities, the festival creates a relaxed atmosphere that keeps visitors engaged through sunset by the river.
Chester County BBQ Festival
Since 1978, the Chester County BBQ Festival has been a Henderson tradition. Each late-September, the courthouse lawn fills with the aroma of BBQ and carnival excitement. Local teams and visiting pitmasters offer tasting tents, with a cook-off crowning winners in People’s Choice and judged categories. Admission is free, attracting families to vendor rows and live regional music.
Kids enjoy games and parade floats. The chamber-run event supports local projects, amplifying small-town pride as winners receive ribbons and trophies, celebrated by local media coverage.