It’s BBQ Festival Season in Polk County

Join the Lakeland Pigfest Board of Directors and the over 150 competition barbecue teams for a weekend of good eatin’, good friends, and good tunes to benefit Lakeland-area charities as we kick off the Annual Lakeland Pigfest! Located at the SUN n' FUN Campus.

The name has changed a little but the music & food will be just as good! This year we will feature a chicken wing contest but don't worry there will be lots of sweet & smokey BBQ as well. Come out for a great day of music and food on beautiful Lake Alfred, enjoy the beer garden along with all the wings and BBQ you can eat! Entertainment provided by Southern Express, ReKindled Grass, Justin Mason & Blue Night, The Beaumont Family, Duck Wallow Lane, the Clogging Connection and the M&M Cloggers. Admission is free and parking is free.  Don't forget your favorite BBQ teams will be there cooking lots of sweet savory BBQ and competing for cash prizes and trophies! If you would like to compete in the competition or like more info on the event please contact the Parks Department at 863-291-5272. This event is held every year at Lions Park on the lake shore of beautiful Lake Alfred and remember to bring your own lawn chair!

The Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition is hosted each February and is a Florida BBQ Association State Championship. Funds raised benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. More than 80 teams from across the country will compete for the Florida State Grand Champion title. Unique entertainment includes; a Music Festival, an aerial flyover, and awards for the best chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket, which will be announced at 5:30 p.m on Saturday. Start the party early and come for BBQ on Friday, February 7th at 6:00pm. The official festivities kick off at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 8th with the national anthem. Funds raised will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County. Friday Night Festivities featuring a sneak peak at the BBQ vendors begin Friday, February 7 at 6 pm and are open to all (Friday entry – $10). Saturday Night Join us for the big BBQ competition and music on Saturday, February 8 from 10 am – 6 pm (Saturday entry – $1 donation).

Ribs on the Ridge is where the sweet smells of barbecue fills the air and pit masters fire up platters of goodness. This two day sanctioned event through the Florida BBQ Association will bring professional and backyard teams from across Florida and other states to compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights to the best BBQ in town.  Attendees of Ribs on the Ridge can expect to over-indulge in tasting endless varieties of BBQ, live entertainment, food vendors, beer and wine, and much more! Admission is free. Whether you are a backyard cook, a professional cook, or would just like to enjoy good barbecue, Ribs on the Ridge is an event you do not want to miss! Event Dates: February 21, 2020 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM February 22. 2020 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

"Flipping for Charities", the 61st Annual Kiwanis Pancake Festival will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020 inside Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Please join us for delicious pancakes and sausage as well as coffee and juice and a variety of entertainment.  "Flipping for Charities" has raised millions of dollars that have been distributed to various local charities having a direct impact on the children of our community!! Please join us for delicious pancakes and sausage as well as coffee and juice and a variety of entertainment.  "Flipping for Charities" has raised millions of dollars that have been distributed to various local charities having a direct impact on the children of our community!! Family Pack: $20 (2 Adults/2 Children) Adults: $8 Children: $4 (ages 2-12) *Children’s tickets include moonwalk activities and a milk ticket.