Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival Sevierville TN Saturday May 18
Join in some down home country fun for the whole family at the ninth annual Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival. Held as part of the Smokey Mountain Springfest in historic downtown Sevierville, Tennessee, this year’s festival will be held on May 17 – 18, 2013.
Tantalizing aromas of tangy barbecue sauce and smoky grilled meats will join the lively strains of bluegrass notes to permeate the fresh mountain air of springtime, beckoning everyone to have a spectacular weekend. Admission is free to all of the festival events, which include a barbecue cook-off that is coordinated by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce as part of Tennessee’s annual official barbecue championship.
Southern barbecue is a delectable epicurean culture appreciated by palates all across our nation. Some of the best grill masters come together to take part in the festival’s headlined state championship barbecue cook-off. Barbecue teams compete for cash prizes in their quest to serve the best. This is the venue for those seeking to sample the finest of authentic southern barbecue fare such as brisket, pulled pork and ribs. Intoxicating aromas of savory sauces and searing smoke waft through the air and lead the way to a lip-smacking, finger-licking culinary celebration. Guests can also gain some insightful grilling tips from the visiting experts of The American Grillmaster Experience and the Great American BBQ Tour.
Another big draw to the annual jubilee is the spectacular and vibrant performances of bluegrass talents. All music concerts are free to enjoy, offering the entertainment of banjo, guitar and fiddle artistry. For a hands-on musical experience, try an introductory bluegrass lesson on one of these instruments in the music tent. Catch an invigorating concert by the legendary performers of Bluegrass Album Band on May 18. This will be a rare opportunity to view a stage performance by the group, which features some of the most iconic names in bluegrass. Also featured at the festival this year will be the popular Hard Rock Café Community Stage where a variety of music styles will be performed. The festival is also home to the annual Mountain Soul Vocal Competition finals in which crooners of all ages from around the country perform songs originally penned by Sevierville’s own legendary music native, Dolly Parton, as they compete for cash prizes and a recording session in Nashville.
An array of vendors will have plenty of uniquely crafted items created by the Smokey Mountain Arts and Crafts Community artisans. Children’s games and activities offer cool opportunities such as trying their skill at wall climbing or participating in the junior hamburger barbecue cook-off event. Bounce houses allow children to work up their appetites and face painting enables them to stroll the festival grounds in their own expressive style.
With world class bluegrass entertainment and enticing southern barbecue at its finest, coupled with free admission, there is no excuse to let the Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival pass you by. Come celebrate good food, good music and good times in the spring splendor of Tennessee.
