Dowagiac’s 3rd annual BBQ Competition & Summer Festival
Get Ready to Fire It Up!
The Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the Dowagiac BBQ Competition & Summer Festival, coming to downtown July 18 and 19, 2025!
Last year’s event drew thousands of visitors from all over the region, as well as some of some of the best BBQ masters in the country competing in a barbecue competition officially sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society.
We're now calling all vendors, food trucks, and backyard BBQ pros to join the fun. This annual event draws more than 5,000 visitors for two jam-packed days of:
- Live music (new full Saturday lineup!)
- Street vendors and food trucks
- Children’s activities — including an expanded pop-up splash pad
- Southwestern Michigan College’s Steve’s Run – with a 5K, 10K, and Fun Run
BBQ Lovers Unite!
The Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition is part of their Backyard Series, meaning if you’ve ever been told you’ve got the best ribs in town — now’s your time to prove it! Teams and judges travel in from across the country for this smokin’ showdown.
Vendor and competitor registration is open now — visit dowagiacchamber.com and head to the Events tab to sign up!
(The direct link is https://www.dowagiacchamber.com/events/upcoming-events/summer-festival-bbq-competition)
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable summer tradition in the heart of Dowagiac!
