Alabama Has a BBQ Culture All Its Own
April 2023
Springtime in Alabama is chock full of art, music and food festivals. Visitors can find at least one or two festivals on any given weekend in almost every small town. This time of year also kicks off the season of barbecue, which is a culture in and of itself. We take our barbecue very seriously and so do the pitmasters. When you combine barbecue and music, you’ve set the stage for a good time. North and central Alabama is home to a number of award-winning barbecue restaurants and barbecue cook-offs. If you’re looking for that perfect foodie road trip, we can provide something for everyone.
Bob Sykes Bbq & Blues Festival- Bessemer
Barbecue and blues are a great combination for the Bob Sykes Bbq & Blues Festival. This event, held at the end of April, combines the best of blues music and legendary Bob Sykes Bbq at the beautiful DeBardeleben Park located in historic downtown Bessemer, Alabama. Proceeds from the festival benefit many central Alabama charities.
Smoke on the Water BBQ Festival- Florence
The Smoke on the Water Festival, held at McFarland Park, is more than just a BBQ cook-off – it’s an event for the entire family! Sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society and the Alabama BBQ Association, this cook-off will determine the very best barbeque from among the entrants. There also is live entertainment, a classic car show, food trucks and games for children.
Hog Wild for Art Festival – Camden
Hosted by The Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center, this annual spring event is held in cooperation with the Wilcox Area Chamber of Commerce's 12th Annual Mark Curl Memorial BBQ Cook-Off. It also features a pop-up gallery and a make-and-take-home art project for kids. In addition, there will be demonstrations by the Art Center’s featured artists.
If you are unable to make one of these festivals, we’ve mapped out a BBQ Road Trip featuring some of our favorite places to visit and where you can experience the best of Alabama’s barbecue throughout the year.
