Polk County is home to so many BBQ Festivals that we have an “unofficial” BBQ Season from January – March each year.
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.
Please check directly with event organizers for specific dates, current ticket prices, advance registration, and any last-minute changes. While we do our best to provide accurate information, we include an outside link so you can verify the details for all events and activities.
2023 BBQ EVENTS IN POLK COUNTY
Current Month
Event Category
All
Annual Events + Festivals
Arts + Culture
BBQ Festival
Central Florida Events (Outside Polk)
Drive-Thru Event
Eat + Drink, Food Trucks, BBQ
Education Help + Test Prep (SAT/ACT)
Educational + Historical
Fairs, Festivals + Carnivals
Family Fun – Community Events
Farmers Markets + U-Pick
Fundraiser
Hands-On Workshops
Health + Fitness
Holiday Fun
Library Programs
Mobile Food Pantries
Movies
Music, Theater + Live Performances
Nature + Outdoors
Parades
Races, Walks, 5k
Religious Event
Santa
Sensory Friendly
Shopping
Sports
Storytime
Support + Social Groups
Volunteer Opportunity
Holiday / Season
All
4th of July
Back to School
Christmas
Easter
Fall + Halloween
Father’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Mother’s Day
New Year
Spring Fun
St. Patrick’s Day
Summer Fun
Thanksgiving
Valentine
Veterans Day
City
All
Auburndale
Bartow
Davenport
Dundee
Fort Meade
Frostproof
Haines City
Lake Alfred
Lake Wales
Lakeland
Mulberry
Outside Polk - Central Florida
Outside Polk - Orlando Area
Outside Polk - Tampa Bay Area
Plant City
Polk City
Winter Haven
Price Range
All
$10+ per person
$5 - $10 per person
$5 or less per person
Free
2022 BBQ EVENTS IN POLK COUNTY – CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES
Current Month
Event Category
All
Annual Events + Festivals
Arts + Culture
BBQ Festival
Central Florida Events (Outside Polk)
Drive-Thru Event
Eat + Drink, Food Trucks, BBQ
Education Help + Test Prep (SAT/ACT)
Educational + Historical
Fairs, Festivals + Carnivals
Family Fun – Community Events
Farmers Markets + U-Pick
Fundraiser
Hands-On Workshops
Health + Fitness
Holiday Fun
Library Programs
Mobile Food Pantries
Movies
Music, Theater + Live Performances
Nature + Outdoors
Parades
Races, Walks, 5k
Religious Event
Santa
Sensory Friendly
Shopping
Sports
Storytime
Support + Social Groups
Volunteer Opportunity
Holiday / Season
All
4th of July
Back to School
Christmas
Easter
Fall + Halloween
Father’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Mother’s Day
New Year
Spring Fun
St. Patrick’s Day
Summer Fun
Thanksgiving
Valentine
Veterans Day
City
All
Auburndale
Bartow
Davenport
Dundee
Fort Meade
Frostproof
Haines City
Lake Alfred
Lake Wales
Lakeland
Mulberry
Outside Polk - Central Florida
Outside Polk - Orlando Area
Outside Polk - Tampa Bay Area
Plant City
Polk City
Winter Haven
Price Range
All
$10+ per person
$5 - $10 per person
$5 or less per person
Free
MORE UPCOMING FOOD + DRINK EVENTS
Current Month
Event Category
All
Annual Events + Festivals
Arts + Culture
BBQ Festival
Central Florida Events (Outside Polk)
Drive-Thru Event
Eat + Drink, Food Trucks, BBQ
Education Help + Test Prep (SAT/ACT)
Educational + Historical
Fairs, Festivals + Carnivals
Family Fun – Community Events
Farmers Markets + U-Pick
Fundraiser
Hands-On Workshops
Health + Fitness
Holiday Fun
Library Programs
Mobile Food Pantries
Movies
Music, Theater + Live Performances
Nature + Outdoors
Parades
Races, Walks, 5k
Religious Event
Santa
Sensory Friendly
Shopping
Sports
Storytime
Support + Social Groups
Volunteer Opportunity
Holiday / Season
All
4th of July
Back to School
Christmas
Easter
Fall + Halloween
Father’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Mother’s Day
New Year
Spring Fun
St. Patrick’s Day
Summer Fun
Thanksgiving
Valentine
Veterans Day
City
All
Auburndale
Bartow
Davenport
Dundee
Fort Meade
Frostproof
Haines City
Lake Alfred
Lake Wales
Lakeland
Mulberry
Outside Polk - Central Florida
Outside Polk - Orlando Area
Outside Polk - Tampa Bay Area
Plant City
Polk City
Winter Haven
Price Range
All
$10+ per person
$5 - $10 per person
$5 or less per person
Free
Visit our Calendar to see a full list of upcoming events in Lakeland + Polk County.
Food + Restaurant Guide
Check out our Food + Restaurant Guide for more places to eat in Lakeland + Polk County including ice cream shops, coffee shops, donut shops, food banks, outdoor dining, Kids Eat Free deals, and more.
