Owensboro’s signature food festival, BBQ & Barrels, returns May 8 & 9 with a full weekend of free entertainment and expanded BBQ offerings in downtown Owensboro.
The festival kicks off Friday, May 8, at lunchtime with live music at the Courthouse Lawn Stage. Friday night, the energy turns up with DJ Shay’s Dance Party on the Owensboro Racing & Gaming Main Stage, located on the Convention Center front lawn. On Saturday, the Courthouse Lawn stage kicks things off again with live music throughout the day and country music star Chase Matthew will headline the main stage Saturday evening. The concert is free to attend, with a limited number of pit passes available for purchase HERE!
New this year, BBQ & Barrels will introduce the Artisan Craft Expo at BBQ & Barrels, taking over the first-floor exhibit halls of the Owensboro Convention Center. The indoor expo will feature a wide selection of handcrafted items and specialty food vendors, offering a great opportunity to shop local or find a unique Mother’s Day gift ahead of the holiday on Sunday.
Artisan Craft Expo Hours (Free Admission):
• Friday, May 8 | Noon – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
BBQ lovers can expect more barbecue than ever, with dozens of vendors highlighted through the returning BBQ Blueprint, designed to help guests navigate all the smoky goodness. Fan-favorite events including the YMCA BBQ 5K, 50/50 raffle, backyard cook-off, carnival, and the legendary church cooking teams will again anchor the center of the festival around the courthouse lawn.
The Bourbon Experience will once again take place inside the Owensboro Convention Center, offering a curated tasting experience featuring bourbons from across the country. Ticket information for the Bourbon Experience will be released soon.
BBQ & Barrels offers something for everyone, combining great food, live music, family-friendly activities, and expanded shopping, all in the heart of downtown Owensboro.