Michigan Barbecue Competitions and Festivals
Nothing says summer like smokey barbecue dripping with your favorite sauce, and southerners aren’t the only ones who do BBQ right. Up north in Michigan, we make your mouth water too with our fingerlickin’ good ribs, chicken and brisket. Visit one of our many barbeque festivals this summer and taste for yourself!
June 20, 2016, Glen Arbor, MI
You’ll get a taste of Michigan at the BBQ and Brew Fest in Glen Arbor on the Leelanau Peninsula. BBQ, micro brews, wines and bites from local restaurants will all be on tap for you to enjoy at this summer kickoff. The event is family-friendly and also features live music, kids’ activities and an auction.
8th Annual Auburn Hills Barbecue Cookoff
June 24 – 25, 2016, Auburn Hills, MI
The BBQ state champion is crowned every year at this cookoff in Auburn Hills. You can be a taste tester, or you can register to compete with your own secret recipe. Part of the city’s larger Summerfest, you’ll also enjoy live music, a car show and an art fair at the festival.
Pork in the Park BBQ Challenge
July 3, 2016, Cadillac, MI
This is another competition where you’re welcome to participate or just enjoy the flavors. The event takes place during Cadillac’s Freedom Festival, the city’s four day Independence Day celebration. A fishing tournament, motorcycle show and blessing of the boats are other festival highlights in this lakeside town where “Up North” begins.
July 15 – 17, 2016, Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI
Head to Motown for three days of BBQ ribs and R&B in Hart Plaza along the beautiful Detroit Riverfront. Thirty different acts, including a tribute to Aretha Franklin, will entertain you while you enjoy some smokin’ good BBQ.
August 4 – 6, 2016, Arcadia Creek Festival Place, Kalamazoo, MI
Both local and national smoke masters descend on Kalamazoo to offer a variety of ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork and side dishes sure to have you coming back for seconds and even thirds. You’ll also have the opportunity to vote for the best local ribs. Festival entertainment includes national acts En Vouge and Vince Neil.
August 5-6, 2016, Westland, MI
This festival is a celebration of American music, homegrown craft suds and flame-grilled barbecue. Local legends perfrom live jazz while you enjoy Michigan craft beer and the best BBQ Westland has to offer. You’ll also find a kid’s zone and a classic car show.
September 9 – 10, 2016, Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area, Hart MI
This festival takes you into fall combining BBQ and fresh Michigan apples. You’ll be just a few miles from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. So in addition to good BBQ and live entertainment, the festival also features a dune buggy show.
