Polk County is home to so many BBQ Festivals that we have an “unofficial” BBQ Season from January – March, and in 2021 you can find events spread out throughout the spring and fall! Lakeland Pigfest has been rescheduled to May 2021, and other favorite events are being delayed in an abundance of caution.
These barbecue competitions bring the best teams from all over Florida and even some from out of state. While they compete for prizes, we get to enjoy the mouth watering BBQ at these family friendly events.
You’ll find an assortment of ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken, sides, desserts, and more. In addition to good eats, you’ll also find live entertainment, kids activities, and plenty of other treats to keep everyone happy. Plus, all of these events raise funds for non-profits in our community!
PigFest in Lakeland, Smoke on the Water in Winter Haven, and Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City are all annual local favorites – details below.
*In 2021, annual events may be postponed or canceled in an abundance of caution. Check back for updates on bar-b-que events, and always check directly with event organizers for any last-minute changes.*
Please check directly with event organizers or local businesses for safety protocols, mask requirements, advance registration, and any last-minute changes. All information on our website is for informational purposes only – we are not qualified to provide health or safety recommendations. Be informed, wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, have fun, and make good choices!
2021 BBQ EVENTS IN POLK COUNTY
Lake Alfred Bluegrass & Kickin’ Chickin’ Wing Competition
January 9 @ 11:00 am - 7:00 pmLake Alfred, FL 33850 United States + Google Map
Pigapalooza! – Mulberry’s BBQ Competition
March 12 @ 5:00 pm - March 13 @ 10:00 pmMulberry, FL 33860 United States + Google Map
Pigapalooza! – Mulberry’s BBQ Competition
March 13 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pmMulberry, FL 33860 United States + Google Map
Grills Gone Wild BBQ Event – Davenport
April 23 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pmDavenport, FL 33837 United States + Google Map
This BBQ Competition is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association. Check back for updates. Currently scheduled for Friday April 23, 2021 and Saturday April 24, 2021. Market Street, Davenport, FL 33836 Please check out our website at www.mydavenport.org for more info and applications
Grills Gone Wild BBQ Event – Davenport
April 24 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmDavenport, FL 33837 United States + Google Map
This BBQ Competition is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association. Check back for updates. Currently scheduled for Friday April 23, 2021 and Saturday April 24, 2021. Market Street, Davenport, FL 33836 Please check out our website at www.mydavenport.org for more info and applications
Lakeland Pigfest (Postponed to May 2021)
May 14 @ 5:00 pm - 10:00 pmLakeland, FL 33811 US + Google Map
Pigfest 2021 has been Postponed - Originally scheduled for January 29-30, 2021 - Rescheduled for May 14-15, 2021.
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.
Lakeland Pigfest (Postponed to May 2021)
May 15 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmLakeland, FL 33811 US + Google Map
Pigfest 2021 has been Postponed - Originally scheduled for January 29-30, 2021 - Rescheduled for May 14-15, 2021.
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.
Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City
July 3 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pmHaines City, FL 33844 US + Google Map
Tentatively scheduled for July 3, 2021 - 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. Â 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!
Rock ‘N’ Brews & BBQ – Camp Mack Lake Wales
October 23 @ 11:00 am - 10:00 pmLake Wales, FL 33898 United States + Google Map
Join us at Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort for our annual Rock ‘N’ Brews & BBQ on October 21-23, 2021. Come out and help us crown the Camp Mack Champion! This weekend will include FBA Sanctioned BBQ contest with both Pro’s, Backyard, and Kids Division, Halloween Costume Contest, Craft Fair & Live Music from local bands. General Admission is FREE! Tickets will be sold for the People’s Choice BBQ Tasting at the Riverfront on Saturday, October 23rd. Open to the public on Saturday, October 23, 2021.
Plant City Pig Jam
November 19 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmPlant City, FL 33566 United States + Google Map
Join us for the annual Plant City Pig Jam. Don't miss out on fabulous food, live entertainment, kids activities, great merchandise, and of course BBQ! Pig Jammers will have BBQ and a lot more to enjoy - while grills will be busy most of the two days, there will also be a rock climbing wall, moon walks, vendors, and live music to enjoy. Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition. Teams will compete in both professional and amateur divisions, prizes for the top ten teams will be awarded in each of the following categories: BBQ Ribs, BBQ Pork, Beef Brisket, and Chicken.
Plant City Pig Jam
November 20 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pmPlant City, FL 33566 United States + Google Map
Join us for the annual Plant City Pig Jam. Don't miss out on fabulous food, live entertainment, kids activities, great merchandise, and of course BBQ! Pig Jammers will have BBQ and a lot more to enjoy - while grills will be busy most of the two days, there will also be a rock climbing wall, moon walks, vendors, and live music to enjoy. Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition. Teams will compete in both professional and amateur divisions, prizes for the top ten teams will be awarded in each of the following categories: BBQ Ribs, BBQ Pork, Beef Brisket, and Chicken.
2020 BBQ EVENTS – CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES
Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition – CANCELED for 2021
February 7, 2020 @ 6:00 pmWinter Haven, FL 33881 United States + Google Map
Smoke on the Water has been Canceled for 2021. 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. Funds raised will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County.
MAP – BBQ FESTIVALS NEAR ME
UPCOMING FOOD + DRINK EVENTS
April First Friday
April 2 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pmLakeland, FL 33801 United States + Google Map
Head to Downtown Lakeland on the first Friday of every month for First Friday! Downtown shops and restaurants will be open late. Enjoy goodies, giveaways, and discounts from local business exhibitors. Shop in the Makers Market, which features local artists and creators, and check out the Classy Car Show on Main St.