Smokies Guide
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Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival: Smoky Mountain Tradition & Finger-Lickin' Fun!
When you think of spring in the Smoky Mountains, images of mouth-watering, slow-smoked barbecue and high-spirited live bluegrass music immediately come to mind. Nowhere is that spirit truer than in historic downtown Sevierville, Tennessee every May, when the city transforms its streets into a celebration during the annual Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival (formerly known as Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass).
As an official state barbecue championship coordinated by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce and an anchor event of Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Springfest, this award-winning, 100% free-admission family festival draws championship pitmasters, world-class bluegrass legends, and hungry visitors from across the nation.
🍖 Championship BBQ, Mouth-Watering Eats & Kids’ Que
The heart of the festival revolves around the mouth-watering aromas of slow-cooked pork shoulder, tender brisket, and fall-off-the-bone ribs doused in some of the country's finest sauces:
KCBS State Championship Cook-Off
Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), top championship teams—including celebrated pitmasters like Carolina Rib King and Smoky Mountain Smokers—compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and bragging rights as the State of Tennessee Champion.
Festival Food Vendors
Aside from competition BBQ, street vendors line the festival grounds offering hot funnel cakes, fried pies, kettle corn, shaved ice, artisan ice creams, and Southern sides.
Kids’ Que Competition
The next generation of pitmasters gets their time to shine! Children and teens show off their grilling skills in a fun, coached cooking competition.
BBQ Boot Camp
In the days leading up to the festival, food lovers can attend interactive workshops at the state-of-the-art Rel Maples Institute for Culinary Arts at Walters State Community College. Learn backyard smoking secrets, meat prep tips, and dessert recipes directly from culinary pros!
🪕 World-Class Bluegrass & Mountain Music
Music is just as big a draw as the barbecue! The festival features a star-studded lineup of Grammy Award winners, Grand Ole Opry members, and rising bluegrass stars across multiple stages:
Headlining Performances
Over the years, the festival stages have hosted legendary bluegrass icons like Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, The Del McCoury Band, and Doyle Lawson, alongside regional favorites like Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier.
National Championship Banjo Competition
Musicians from across the country gather to showcase their lightning-fast picking in the annual Larry Stephenson Band National Bluegrass Banjo Championship.
🎈 Family Fun & Downtown Festivities
Beyond the food and music, the festival is packed with activities designed for all ages:
Vocal Competitions & Dance
Enjoy high-energy clogging demonstrations, local vocal talent competitions, and live street performances.
Kid Zone & Mascot Parade
Children can enjoy inflatables, games, face painting, and meet regional mascots during Friday night's lively mascot parade.
Historic Downtown Charm
Stroll through historic downtown Sevierville, shop local craft boutiques, and take photos with the iconic bronze statue of Dolly Parton on the courthouse lawn.
💡 Practical Visitor Tips
Admission: Festival admission and all stage concerts are completely FREE to the public!
Parking & Shuttles: Free parking is available throughout downtown Sevierville, with convenient event shuttles running from designated municipal parking lots.
When to Go: The festival typically takes place over a Friday and Saturday in mid-May. Arrive early on Saturday afternoon to grab a great seat near the main stage and beat the dinner BBQ queues!