A new year signals the return of barbecue festivals in the BBQ Capital of Florida™. You’ll find several opportunities to experience mouthwatering barbecue during your next visit to Polk County. Plan to attend one of our popular annual competitions such as Lakeland PigFest, Ribs on the Ridge, and Pitmasters in Paradise. These annual events take place in January, February and April, what is considered the “unofficial” BBQ season here in Polk County. You’ll find details for each of these events and more below.
Barbecue Festivals in Polk County
Bring your appetite, as many of the competing teams will be selling their barbecue specialties for your enjoyment.
Lakeland PigFest
Lakeland PigFest takes place on Friday evening and Saturday, January 23-24, 2026 at SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland. This festival is the area’s largest barbecue competition and admission is $5. Attendees exchange cash for “Pig Bucks”, the official currency of the Lakeland PigFest, to purchase food.
More than 150 teams compete during a weekend of good eating, good friends and good tunes. Professional teams travel from all over the U.S. to compete in four categories: Ribs, Chicken, Pork and Brisket. Lakeland PigFest is a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned event. KCBS is the largest international organization of barbecue enthusiasts.
Ribs on the Ridge
Ribs on the Ridge takes place at Lake Eva Park in Haines City on February 20-21, 2026. The City of Haines City and Miracle Toyota present the 18th annual Ribs on the Ridge BBQ Competition, held at Lake Eva Park. This event draws professional and amateur barbecue teams from across Florida and other states to compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights. This year’s event will be the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown of BBQ, where teams that compete in Pig Fest, Ribs on the Ridge, and Pitmasters in Paradise will vie for additional prizes.
Pitmasters in Paradise
Hosted at the stunning Camp Margaritaville Auburndale on April 24-25, 2026, this competition offers a unique blend of intense culinary battles and laid-back island vibes. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster aiming for the top prize or a BBQ enthusiast eager to witness the masters at work, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Experience the passion, the flavor, and the community that makes barbecue great.
Tiger BBQ
Welcome back the Detroit Tigers to Lakeland at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium with a good old-fashion Tiger BBQ. February 19, 2026 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Enjoy a world famous menu of traditional southern BBQ along with a Souvenir Mug! This is a family-friendly event. Purchase tickets HERE!
Area Barbecue Restaurants
If you can’t make it to one of these barbecue festivals, never fear. You can feed your barbecue habit all year long in Polk County, as our area offers numerous barbecue restaurants. Well known, popular establishments that fired up in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s include Peebles Bar-B-Q and Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q respectively. Smokin Jim’s House of Bar-B-Q in Auburndale received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2014. This round-up barely scratches the surface of BBQ options so check out our BBQ section for more restaurant options.
BBQ Deals & Savings
Enjoy deals, savings, and prizes with our Fire & Flavor BBQ Trail Pass.
Interested in more Central Florida events? Check out our Events Calendar or follow us on Instagram!
