Bolivar BBQ Blowout & Music Festival Kicks Off This Weekend with Food, Music and Family Fun
BBQ lovers, music enthusiasts and families are invited to downtown Bolivar this weekend as the Bolivar BBQ Blowout & Music Festival returns Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24, 2026, for two days of entertainment, competition and community fun.
The festival will feature live music, a carnival, a cornhole tournament, arts and crafts vendors, and barbecue competition judging through the Memphis BBQ Network.
Festivities begin Friday afternoon with the carnival opening at 5 p.m. on the green space along East Market Street. Friday evening will feature live performances by David Nabors and Courtney Little, along with a cornhole tournament at the Farmers Market.
Saturday’s activities kick off at 10 a.m. with the March of Dogs, beginning at Vaughan Oil Company, and official barbecue judging. Visitors can also enjoy tours of the historic Little Courthouse, shop at the arts and crafts vendor show, and spend the day at the carnival.
Live entertainment continues Saturday afternoon with Southern Rose, followed by the Memphis BBQ Network awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Jonathan Ellison will close out the scheduled musical performances beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Many of the festival’s musical performances and activities will take place at the former Curves building on Lafayette Street, with additional events throughout downtown Bolivar.
Festival Schedule of Events
Friday, October 23, 2026
● 12 p.m. – Mayor’s Lunch (Invitation Only)
Former Curves Building, Lafayette Street
● 5–9 p.m. – Carnival Open
Green Space on East Market Street
● 6 p.m. – Sponsors Dinner (Sponsors Only)
Former Curves Building, Lafayette Street
● 6 p.m. – Live Music: David Nabors
Former Curves Building, Lafayette Street
● 7 p.m. – Cornhole Tournament
Farmers Market
● 7:30 p.m. – Live Music: Courtney Little
Former Curves Building, Lafayette Street
Saturday, October 24, 2026
● 10 a.m. – March of Dogs Begins
{Click here to read more about the parade and costume contest}
● 10 a.m. – Official Bolivar BBQ & Memphis BBQ Network Judging Begins
● 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Historic Little Courthouse Tours
215 East Market Street {Click here to learn more about The Little Courthouse}
● 11 a.m.–3 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Vendor Show
Parking lot in front of the Wheeler Building
● 11 a.m.–9 p.m. – Carnival Open
Green Space on East Market Street
● 4 p.m. – Live Music: Southern Rose
Former Curves Building, Lafayette Street
● 6 p.m. – Memphis BBQ Network Awards Ceremony
Former Curves Building, Lafayette Street
● 6:30 p.m. – Live Music: Jonathan Ellison
Former Curves Building, Lafayette Street
Read more local news by clicking here.
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