05/15/2026 to 05/16/2026
Get DirectionsDowntown Sevierville turns into a weekend-long party with free live music, a Tennessee State Championship BBQ cook-off, and festival eats, all centered around the Sevier County Courthouse.
Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass
Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival is one of Sevierville’s most anticipated spring events, bringing together mouthwatering barbecue, live music, and a lively hometown atmosphere in the heart of downtown. With free admission and free concerts, this two-day festival is perfect for visitors and locals alike who want to experience the flavors and sounds of East Tennessee.
The centerpiece of the weekend is the Tennessee State Championship BBQ Cook-Off, where competitive pitmasters from across the country go head-to-head in a Kansas City Barbeque Society–sanctioned competition. Teams fire up their smokers, judges sample the best of the best, and festivalgoers enjoy the aroma and excitement throughout downtown.
Multiple music stages showcase a mix of bluegrass, Americana, and regional favorites, while food vendors and festival booths line the streets around the historic Sevier County Courthouse. Whether you come for the barbecue, the music, or the atmosphere, Bloomin’ BBQ delivers a true Smoky Mountain experience.
Date & Time
Friday–Saturday, May 15–16, 2026
Festival hours typically run:
Friday afternoon through evening
Saturday late morning through evening
Location
Historic Downtown Sevierville
Centered around the Sevier County Courthouse
Sevierville, Tennessee
What to Expect
Free admission and free live concerts
Tennessee State Championship BBQ Cook-Off (KCBS-sanctioned)
Multiple music stages featuring bluegrass and Americana sounds
Festival food, barbecue vendors, and local merchants
Family-friendly atmosphere in walkable downtown Sevierville
Stay Nearby With Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins
Turn Bloomin’ BBQ into a full Smoky Mountain getaway by staying with Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, or Wears Valley. Enjoy comfortable cabins close to the festival while being perfectly positioned for hiking, scenic drives, and area attractions.
Plus, when you stay with Bear Tracts, you’ll receive Up to $1072 in free attraction tickets every single day of your stay! It’s the perfect way to add even more fun to your festival weekend.