Bloomin’ Barbecue and Bluegrass

12th annual

May 20-21

Spring may still be a few months away, but Smoky Mountains locals and visitors are already counting down to one of the area’s most popular events: The Bloomin’ Barbecue and Bluegrass festival, set for May 20-21, 2016 in historic Downtown Sevierville.

The celebration welcomes nearly 37,000 guests from all over each year for two days of music, food, crafts and fun. The barbecue cook-off is an official barbecue championship of the state of Tennessee and is coordinated by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.

As always, attendees can look forward to an awesome line-up of bluegrass bands. This year performers will include Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press, the Church Sisters, Mountain Faith and many more.

The Mountain Soul Competition also returns this year – it honors the songwriting of Sevierville native Dolly Parton by encouraging contestants across the country to sing one of the more than 3,000 songs she has written in his or her own vocal style.

Contestants may enter in the 13 and up age division or 12 and under division. They may submit up to two songs written by Dolly per entry.

A complete list of songs written by Dolly is available at www.dollymania.net.

The Kids’ Zone will feature “Days Gone By” – old fashioned games sponsored by Wilderness at the Smokies; a discovery area complete with bounce houses; and lots of opportunities for hands-on fun with musical instruments.

Days Gone By, the Bluegrass Music Tent and the bounce houses are free of charge, although there are nominal charges for some of the other activities available.

In the spirit of Springfest, Bloomin’ Barbecue and Bluegrass is dedicated to being a Waste Free event – it will recycle cardboard, plastic and aluminum cans during the festivities, as well as encourage vendors to use paper based products instead of Styrofoam when serving food. Food wastes and other biodegradable materials will be composted at the Sevier Solid Waste Compost Facility, which is world leader in composting techniques and results.

For more information, visit www.bloominbbq.com.

After enjoying so much great food, entertainment and activities, you’ll need a place to put your feet up at the end of the day. We’re just down the road in beautiful and scenic Gatlinburg. Give us a call at 1-888-711-0087 to reserve your cabin today!