Hub City BBQ Fest Returns To Jackson, Tennessee With Smoke And Flavor

Get your bibs and wet wipes ready, folks! The mouth-watering Hub City BBQ Fest is making its highly anticipated return.

This sizzling celebration brings together the best pitmasters from across the South, offering finger-licking ribs, brisket, and pulled pork that’ll have you dreaming of smoky goodness for weeks.

A Smoky Revival With Deep Roots

The Hub City BBQ Fest first fired up its smokers back in 2008, quickly becoming Jackson’s most anticipated fall tradition.

Originally known as the Tennessee River BBQ Fest, it rebranded to highlight Jackson’s historic railroad nickname – “Hub City.”

After a brief hiatus during recent years, the festival’s comeback in October 2025 has locals buzzing with excitement.

The event’s revival promises to honor classic barbecue traditions while introducing fresh elements to entice new generations of meat lovers.

Finger-Licking Competition Heats Up

Pitmasters from seven states will battle for barbecue supremacy across multiple mouth-watering categories.

The competition features everything from fall-off-the-bone ribs to perfectly smoked brisket, with special awards for sauce innovation and presentation.

Judges include certified BBQ experts and local celebrities with discriminating palates. Even amateur grillers can join the fun through the “Backyard BBQ Hero” division for home cooks.