7 Florida Small Town BBQ Festivals That Locals Count Down For

When it comes to barbecue, Florida’s small towns know how to put on a show. Each year, locals mark their calendars for festivals that blend smoky ribs, inventive bacon bites, and a genuine sense of community. Some are KCBS-sanctioned competitions that draw serious pitmasters, while others feel more like backyard cookouts where neighbors swap stories over sauce.

Either way, these gatherings aren’t just about the food, they’re about music, laughter, and hometown pride. Here’s my personal look at seven of Florida’s best small-town BBQ festivals, each offering something unique that keeps people talking long after the last plate is clean.

1. Lakeland PigFest (Lakeland, FL)

If you ask locals which BBQ festival they circle on their calendar, Lakeland PigFest is usually at the top of the list. The first time I visited, the sheer number of teams, over 150, impressed me. Each tent had its own aroma, from tangy ribs to peppery brisket.

The festival spills across the SUN ’n FUN Expo Campus, where music mixes with the sizzle of grills. There’s a competitive spirit here, but you’ll also spot folks sharing tips and swapping stories. That sense of friendly rivalry keeps everyone coming back.

I found that PigFest isn’t just for experts. Families stroll between booths, vendors offer all sorts of Southern bites, and the atmosphere is relaxed. It’s a feast for all the senses, and by the end of the day, I always leave smelling of hickory smoke and already planning a return trip. Typically held each January at the SUN ’n FUN Expo Campus.

2. Grills Gone Wild (Davenport, FL)

There’s something refreshing about the scale of Grills Gone Wild. It doesn’t try to be the biggest, but it might be the friendliest. The relaxed vibe is a nice break from the usual frenzy of larger festivals.

When I stopped by one year, it felt like a neighborhood cookout, just with serious BBQ skills. Amateur teams grill alongside pros, creating a sense of camaraderie. I chatted with people who had been attending for years.

This festival puts the focus where it belongs: on the food and the people. The BBQ Association judges may be all business, but for the rest of us, it’s about sharing a good meal. Whether you’re a pitmaster or just love a smoky bite, you’ll find yourself welcomed into the fold. Usually takes place in late winter/early spring, with a relaxed neighborhood vibe.

3. Ribs on the Ridge (Haines City, FL)

Some festivals are about spectacle, but Ribs on the Ridge feels like a community picnic with a competitive edge. I’ve seen families make a whole day of it, kicking back on blankets while the smell of barbecue fills the air.

Pitmasters here compete seriously, but they’re also quick to offer a smile or a taste to newcomers. I love the way it draws everyone in, from die-hard BBQ fans to those just looking for a fun afternoon. There’s no shortage of contests, either, just enough excitement to keep things moving.

Haines City has made this festival part of its local tradition. The friendly atmosphere, the laughter, and, of course, the steady flow of saucy ribs make Ribs on the Ridge a can’t-miss stop on Florida’s BBQ circuit. Traditionally held in February, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

4. Big Bass Bluegrass & BBQ (Inverness, FL)

Pairing live bluegrass with barbecue just feels right, and Big Bass Bluegrass & BBQ nails it every year. The music sets a mellow tone, making it easy to spend an afternoon just taking it all in.

Musicians perform on the lawn, while the scent of smoked meat drifts through the crowd. People bring lawn chairs and settle in for both the tunes and the eats. I always look forward to the creative BBQ offerings, with some pitmasters trying out bold new flavors.

It’s more than just a food event, it’s a gathering of folks who love music, good company, and a meal worth savoring. The energy is laid-back but lively, and every year, I leave with a new favorite song and a full plate. An annual spring event pairing outdoor bluegrass performances with BBQ.

5. Port St. Lucie Bacon & BBQ Festival (Port St. Lucie, FL)

If you’ve ever wondered how many ways bacon can be reinvented, Port St. Lucie Bacon & BBQ Festival has your answer. Walking in, the scent of sizzling bacon hits you right away, savory, sweet, and even smoky.

Beyond traditional BBQ, food vendors here get playful, offering things like bacon ice cream and candied bacon sandwiches. There’s a cheerful energy as people wander from booth to booth, tasting new creations and sharing opinions.

Music plays in the background, but the real star is the inventive menu. The festival also features a craft fair and local entertainment, so you can browse between bites. For anyone who loves bacon in all its forms, this festival is pure joy. Dates vary, but it’s known for playful bacon creations alongside barbecue.

6. Smokin’ in the Pines BBQ Festival (Perry, FL)

Out in Perry, Smokin’ in the Pines feels like a step back to a simpler time, one where BBQ is the star and nothing else matters. The setting, surrounded by pine trees, gives it an old-Florida charm that’s hard to find elsewhere.

I’ve watched teams fiercely compete for the best ribs and brisket, but the mood stays welcoming. There’s a people’s choice award that lets everyone feel involved, and the sauce contest always draws a crowd.

Kids run free while adults debate over which pitmaster deserves the win. With every bite, you taste the dedication poured into each recipe. The rustic vibe, serious competition, and sense of belonging make it a standout every year. Usually held in September, surrounded by the pine forests of Taylor County.

7. Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam & Car Show (Callahan, Nassau County)

Where else can you watch a car show while eating some of the area’s best barbecue? Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam brings together two passions, cars and smoked meats, for a weekend that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.

Walking through the event, I see gleaming classic cars lined up beside smoking grills. Local vendors sell everything from crafts to homemade sauces, and there’s always something for kids to do. The atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming, whether you’re a gearhead or just hungry.

This festival is less about strict competition and more about community fun. People linger, sample different styles of BBQ, and vote for their favorites. It’s that blend of flavors, cars, and friendly contests that keeps people coming back. Typically takes place in November, blending a KCBS BBQ competition with a classic car show.