Sevierville, Tenn. – May is national barbecue month, and there's no better place to dig in (or to catch free headline concerts from major artists) than Sevierville, Tennessee's twenty-second annual Bloomin' BBQ Music & Food Festival on May 15-16, 2026.

Located in the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sevierville and the surrounding area are a popular family vacation destination with outdoor adventure, world-class theme parks such as Dollywood, and a delightfully cool historic downtown, which is the central location for Bloomin' BBQ Music & Food Festival. Highlights of the annual event include a state championship BBQ competition, 70+ artists and crafters, kids' activities, and more than 20 live shows – including headline performances from bluegrass icons Dan Tyminski Band and Lonestar.

This family-friendly event begins at 5pm on Friday, May 15 and welcomes 36 select cook teams from across the United States to compete for $17,500 in cash and prizes during the Bush's Best Tennessee State Championship Cook Off. Three of those championship teams will also vend their slow smoked specialties – meaning everyone can enjoy award-winning ribs, pulled pork, brisket and more.

Rounding out the event is toe-tapping music on four stages. The Friday, May 15 Swaggerty's Farm Main Stage lineup includes Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier (5pm), Solon Holt (6pm), Sister Sadie (7pm), and Dan Tyminski Band (8:30pm).  

On Saturday, May 16, catch performances from Dalton Dailey (12:30pm), Armchair Boogie (2:30pm), Bill Taylor & The Appalachian Heatherns (4:30pm), The Band Loula (6:30pm) and a headline performance from Lonestar at 8:30pm.

Additional special happenings include Friday's Late Night Musician's Jam, led by 5-time world champion banjo picker Gary “Biscuit” Davis, from 10pm until midnight at Pinchy's Lobster & Raw Bar, a daytime jam led by Evie Andrus on Saturday, May 16 from 2pm-4pm, four Historic Downtown Sevierville Walking Tours, and an opportunity to meet and greet Dolly's cousin Richie Owens plus pick up a copy of his latest family album, “Smoky Mountain DNA.” In addition, catch the final round of a vocal competition honoring the songwriting of Sevierville's own Dolly Parton.

Can't get enough flavor during Bloomin' BBQ Music & Food Festival? Dig into Bloomin' BBQ Food Week (May 10-17) at Sevierville area restaurants! During this special week, restaurants will offer specialty menu items inspired by the smoky flavor of BBQ and the freshness of spring!

Admission to Bloomin' BBQ Music & Food Festival and the concerts are free thanks to our great sponsors. Festival hours are Friday, May 15, 5pm-10pm and Saturday, May 16, 10am-10pm. For lodging and event information, including the complete entertainment lineup, go to www.BloominBBQ.com.