Sevierville’s Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival Returns with More Music and Fun
This May, the Smoky Mountains will host some of the nation’s finest bluegrass musicians at the Bloomin’ Barbeque and Bluegrass festival in Sevierville! The annual event will feature a Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, free bluegrass concerts, arts and crafts, and more.
Held May 18 – 19, 2018, there’s no better place to celebrate family fun, boot-stomping music, and delicious Southern dishes. This is the largest summer event in Sevierville, so be sure to mark your calendars for a weekend of sunshine and good times.
Bluegrass Performances
Each year, Bloomin’ Barbeque and Bluegrass hosts a variety of musical events, including the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition and bluegrass group performances. To enjoy these songs about love, heartbreak, mountains, and more, you’re welcome to spread a blanket or set up a lawn chair near the downtown stage.
Rising country star Mo Pitney will headline the Saturday concert. Although Pitney is most famous for his neotraditional country music, he got his start playing in bluegrass bands. For the Barbeque and Bluegrass festival, Mo will play a special bluegrass set with a band of hand-picked musicians. Here is the complete schedule for this year’s entertainment:
Friday, May 18
- 5 p.m. – Salt & Light
- 6 p.m. – Brad Hudson
- 7 p.m. – Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier
- 8 p.m. – Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Saturday, May 19
- Noon – Jonah Riddle & Carolina Express
- 1 p.m. – Mountain Ruckus (of Dolly Parton’s Stampede)
- 2 p.m. – Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
- 3 p.m. – The Highland Travelers
- 4 p.m. – The Cleverlys
- 5 p.m. -Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley
- 6 p.m. – The Highland Travelers
- 7 p.m. – The Cleverlys
- 8 p.m. – Mo Pitney
Barbeque Cook-Off
This hugely popular festival in Sevierville also features a Barbeque Cook-Off. Barbeque teams from all across the country will be throwing down for the right to be called the “Grand Champion” since the Cook-off is an official Tennessee State Championship Competition.
The judges won’t be the only ones tasting the Southern cuisine. The chefs will have plenty for the crowd as well, including savory sides and sweet treats. Tickets for sampling the dishes in the People’s Choice Contest are usually $15 each and can be purchased at the festival.
Video of Sevierville’s Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival
You can take a look at last year’s Barbeque and Bluegrass festival in the video below:
For more information about upcoming events in the Great Smoky Mountains, check out Visit My Smokies’ Events Calendar, where you’ll find the latest information about fun and exciting things to do in the area.
