BBQ and Barrels represents the culmination of 45 years of a cultural tradition in Owensboro and Daviess County. It is the celebration of our past, our present, and our future, bringing together two of Owensboro's greatest traditions – authentic, unparalleled Owensboro barbecue and historic Kentucky bourbon.

Schedule Of Events

May 12, 2023

Live Music

Enjoy live music on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center as you take in the sights and smells of Kentucky barbecue!

5:00 pm – 6:45 pm: Funky Luck
7:15 pm – 9:00 pm: Cynthia Murray and The End Times

Location: Owensboro Convention Center, 501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301

Arts and Crafts
Browse our merchants' unique, handcrafted items as you stroll the streets of BBQ and Barrels!

Carnival
Fun for the whole family! Check out all the rides, games, and concessions the carnival offers. The carnival will take place on 2nd Street, just east of the big blue bridge.

BBQ

Church cooking teams
Experience classic Owensboro barbecue as local church cooking teams sell their secret recipes that have become famous at their annual picnics, including BBQ sandwiches, chicken plates, burgoo by the cup or gallon, and more.

BBQ & Food Trucks

Bring your appetite! Dozens of barbecue vendors and food trucks will take over 2nd Street in downtown Owensboro. BBQ and Barrels will feature the best barbecue in the region. Check back for a listing of all participating vendors!

Location: Downtown Owensboro Ky

Bourbon

Come sample a variety of bourbon from some of the most famous Kentucky Distilleries at the Owensboro Convention Center. VIP barbecue food pairings and select bourbon options will also be available. Take a bourbon-inspired class before the main event. Make it a bourbon-filled weekend with a food and bourbon pairing at Green River Distilling Company

Location: Owensboro Convention Center

May 13, 2023

Live Music

Enjoy live music on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center as you take in the sights and smells of Kentucky barbecue!

11:00 am – 12:15 pm: Cam Thompson
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm: Josh Orion
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Troubadours of Divine Bliss
3:15 pm – 4:30 pm: Jerrett Davis and Colt Rickard
5:00 pm – 6:45 pm: Zocephus and Funknasty
7:15 pm – 9:00 pm: Whiskey Row

Location: Owensboro Convention Center, 501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301

BBQ 5K

Join the Owensboro Family YMCA for their annual fundraiser fun run. Work up a sweat, burn some calories, and build up an appetite for some delicious barbecue. Proceeds benefit the scholarship programs at the YMCA.

Location: Downtown Owensboro Ky

Click here for Tickets

Arts and Crafts

Browse our merchants' unique, handcrafted items as you stroll the streets of BBQ and Barrels!

Carnival

Fun for the whole family! Check out all the rides, games, and concessions the carnival offers. The carnival will take place on 2nd Street, just east of the big blue bridge. Tickets will be available for purchase onsite.

Backyard Cookoff

The Backyard Cook-Off is an opportunity for backyard barbecue chefs to fire up their grills and smokers to compete among the best in the region! More than 40 cooking teams compete for pride and prizes as they apply their home-grown skills to cook up some of the best beef, chicken, and pork you'll ever taste. Awards are presented in each category, and an overall Backyard Cook Grand Champion is selected.

Click here to Download the Backyard Cook-Off

Location: Downtown Owensboro Ky

BBQ & Food Trucks

Bring your appetite! Dozens of barbecue vendors and food trucks will take over 2nd Street in downtown Owensboro. BBQ and Barrels will feature the best barbecue in the region. Check back for a listing of all participating vendors!

Location: Downtown Owensboro Ky

Date: May 12 - 13, 2023

Location: Various Venues in Owensboro, KY

Click Here For More Information