BBQ & Barrels

BBQ and Barrels represents the culmination of 45 years of a cultural tradition in Owensboro and Daviess County. There are two undisputed stars of the show- Owensboro's iconic and unparalleled barbecue and Kentucky's historic and world-famous bourbon.

The International Bar-B-Q Festival was born in 1979 and that tradition continues today with the recently reimagined BBQ and Barrels. The wildly popular and delicious two-day event features church cooking teams, the Backyard BBQ Cookoff, live music, carnival rides, and bourbon!

One of the highlights of the festival are the ticketed events at the Owensboro Convention Center, which serves as the home to exclusive bourbon tastings, food pairings, and educational classes

Did You Know There's a Pancakes & Bacon-Flavored Whiskey?

Picture this: a whiskey that tastes like breakfast. Sounds wild, right? Wait until you hear more about this local sensation.

Chadwick Benefield

10 Reasons Artificial Intelligence Says to Visit Owensboro

I live in Owensboro and, for me, vacation means leaving home. If I have time off work, I'm not going to spend it in my hometown. I'm out. But, I'm curious to learn what was inspire the people who don't live here to choose Owensboro as a vacation destination. Who better to ask for the answers than the robot?

Chadwick Benefield

It's Time to Quit Complaining About BBQ and Barrels

Okay. Hear me out. I think it's time to move on and stop complaining about the "International Bar-B-Q Festival."

Chadwick Benefield

New ‘BBQ Blueprint’ Spices Up Owensboro’s BBQ & Barrels

BBQ and Barrels is this weekend in Owensboro and there's a fun new addition to the mix. The City of Owensboro just released the first ever BBQ Blueprint.

Chadwick Benefield

BBQ and Barrels: Win Clay Walker VIP Pit Passes

The popular barbecue festival- BBQ and Barrels- is this Friday and Saturday in downtown Owensboro, KY. This year's two-day event will be capped by a FREE country music concert featuring 90s Country icon Clay Walker and up-and-coming country star Drew Baldridge.

Chadwick Benefield

Win Meet & Greet Passes for Drew Baldridge Concert in Owensboro

We're giving you the exclusive chance to meet Drew before the show! We have five pairs of meet-and-greet passes up for grabs.

Chadwick Benefield

How to Buy BBQ and Barrels Half Pot Raffle Tickets

BBQ & Barrels, Owensboro's annual barbecue and bourbon festival, is just around the corner. It's Friday, May 9th and Saturday, May 10th downtown.

Chadwick Benefield

Clay Walker & Drew Baldridge Will Play Free Concert in Owensboro

The City of Owensboro recently announced plans for the 3rd Annual BBQ & Barrels Festival downtown. The popular event- formerly the International Bar-B-Q Festival- is set to return to downtown Owensboro Friday, May 9th and Saturday, May 10th. For the second consecutive year, the event will be anchored by a FREE country music concert!

Chadwick Benefield

Five Thing You Must Do at BBQ & Barrels

Owensboro's annual BBQ & Barrels event is May 10th and May 11th. Here are five things you simply must do at the festival!

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How to Navigate Traffic and Parking at BBQ & Barrels in Owensboro

BBQ and Barrels will be an absolute blast, but you gotta get there first.

Dave Spencer

Tickets On Sale Now for BBQ & Barrels 50/50 Half Pot Raffle

The City of Owensboro is hosting its first-ever 50/50 half pot raffle at the BBQ & Barrels festival downtown. Tickets for the raffle are on sale now in advance online. Here's how to get them!

Chadwick Benefield

Win VIP Access to Chris Janson's BBQ & Barrels Concert

Country music star Chris Janson is having a free concert in downtown Owensboro at the annual BBQ & Barrels festival. Here's how to win VIP pit access.

Chadwick Benefield