BBQ & Barrels is excited to showcase some of the best talent in the region! Enjoy live music on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center as you take in the sights and smells of Kentucky barbecue! Live music will begin at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 12 and continue starting at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 13. Visit our Music page to view the weekend’s full lineup!

We are currently accepting applications for food & beverage vendors (must be BBQ focused or complimentary to BBQ) and handmade arts & crafts vendors! Visit our Vendors page for more information and to access the applications.

An Owensboro tradition will be revitalized on May 12 and 13, 2023 in downtown Owensboro.  BBQ and Barrels is a new take on two of Owensboro’s greatest culinary staples: unique barbecue and historic bourbon.  “The Bar-B-Q Festival isn’t ending, it’s being reborn. Bigger and better with more options to attract more people,” said Sharon Nesmith, former International Bar-B-Q Festival Chair. “Cooking for this event has been a time-honored tradition for…