Big News for BBQ & Barrels Fans: Brand-New Events You’ll Love

If your ideal weekend includes smoky barbecue, smooth bourbon, and a whole lot of live music with family fun, you’ll want Owensboro on your radar this May. BBQ & Barrels is back, and it’s bringing the flavor in a big way. This beloved festival blends decades of tradition with fresh new experiences, giving you every reason to grab your friends, come hungry, and stay awhile.

Alright, who’s ready for the best weekend of the year in Downtown Owensboro?! I’ve been bringing you all the BBQ & Barrels fun for nearly 30 years. Yep, 30! From backyard cookers and church crews to carnival rides and can’t-miss moments, I’ve seen it all, and I want to hear from you. What’s your favorite part of the festival?

This is a schedule of events!

BBQ & Barrels Festival

Happening Friday, May 8, from 12 PM to 10 PM and Saturday, May 9, from 10 AM to 10 PM, BBQ & Barrels celebrates more than 45 years of Owensboro tradition. Formerly known as the International Bar-B-Q Festival, this event has grown into a full-on weekend experience that highlights two local staples! Legendary Owensboro barbecue and authentic Kentucky bourbon. From longtime favorites to brand-new additions this year, there’s something around every corner to explore, taste, and enjoy.

Exclusive Bourbon Dinners Kick Off the Weekend

Things get started early with two limited-capacity bourbon dinners designed for serious food and whiskey lovers. These intimate experiences are expected to sell out fast, so they’re perfect for anyone looking to elevate their festival weekend.

Smoke & Oak at The Lure Seafood and Grille (Thursday, May 7)
This six-course dinner pairs bold, smoke-inspired dishes with carefully selected bourbons in a chef-driven experience led by owner Ben Skiadas. The evening begins with cocktails at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. With just 36 seats available, this is one of the most exclusive events of the weekend.

The Hallowed Dinner at Green River Distilling Co. (Friday, May 8)
Set on historic distillery grounds, this highly anticipated dinner continues the bourbon celebration with a unique atmosphere and thoughtfully curated food and whiskey pairings. It’s the perfect way to dive deeper into Owensboro’s growing reputation as a must-visit bourbon destination.

Seating for The Hallowed Dinner is limited, and tickets are expected to go fast as the BBQ & Barrels weekend gets closer. If you’ve got your eye on this one-of-a-kind distillery dining experience, don’t wait to grab your spot. Tickets for the Green River dinner and the Grand Bourbon Tasting (below) are available now at BBQandBarrels.com or by calling Owensboro Tickets at (270) 687-2787.

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Grand Bourbon Tasting

The bourbon fun continues Saturday, May 9, with the festival’s signature tasting event. Educational sessions kick off at 2 PM, followed by VIP access at 3 PM and general admission from 4 PM to 6 PM.

VIP tickets are $120 and include special pours and BBQ samples, while general admission tickets are $70. A $20 companion ticket is also available for those who want to join the experience without sampling. This is your chance to sip, learn, and discover some incredible bourbons all in one place.

Artisan Craft Expo

Need a break from all the eating and sipping? Head over to the Artisan Craft Expo at the Owensboro Convention Center. Running both Friday and Saturday, this NEW indoor market features handcrafted goods, unique vendors, and plenty of gift-worthy finds! Just in time for Mother’s Day. Admission is free, making it an easy stop to browse, shop, and cool off.

Live Music & Entertainment

The festival doesn’t slow down when the sun goes down. Friday night brings the energy with DJ Shay’s Dance Party, while Saturday wraps things up with a live performance from Chase Matthew. Whether you’re dancing, singing along, or just soaking in the atmosphere, the entertainment lineup adds even more fun to an already packed weekend.

READ MORE: Chase Matthew Headlines BBQ & Barrels

A Tradition Worth Tasting

Since 1979, people have traveled far and wide to be part of Owensboro’s barbecue tradition, and BBQ & Barrels keeps that spirit alive while adding new events each year. From mouthwatering food and world-class bourbon to live music and one-of-a-kind experiences, this is more than just a festival. It’s a full celebration of community, culture, and everything that makes Owensboro special.

We hope to see you there!

READ MORE: It’s BBQ, It’s Barrels, It’s Free Live Music—What Exactly Are We Complaining About Again, Owensboro?

To stay up-to-date with more festival news, visit the website BBQandBarrels.com.