Plan Your Visit
Family and friends, both old and new can join in the celebration of BBQ at the 13th Annual Boro BBQ Festival at Hop Springs Park in eastern Rutherford County.
join us on May 1st – 2nd 2026 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Hop Springs in Murfreesboro, TN!
This is a FREE event!
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Come Early, Leave Late!
Bring your folding chairs and blankets!
And don’t say the “R” word!
Smell that smoke, eat some competition-style BBQ, play in the family zone, and watch some of the top cookers in Middle Tennessee compete in the KCBS-sanctioned Dr. George Smith BBQ Brawl. This event annually attracts several thousand visitors to a day of family fun and adventure. Come on down, experience the aroma, and enjoy eating some of the finest BBQ east of the Mississippi River and west of the Great Smoky Mountains. We will roll out the red carpet and keep the lights on.
Events and Activities
BBQ and Food Vendors
You can’t eat the competitors’ Barbecue, but you’re not going to leave hungry!
Arts & Crafts Show
100 vendors, artists, and craftspeople are excited to let you experience their wares. Bring some money, because you’re going to want to take some of this home.
Live Bands
10-11 – School of Rock!
11:15-12 noon – Mario Williams
12:15-2 – Shantelle Black
2:20-4:00 – End of the Line
People's Choice Event
OK ok ok – you can’t eat the competition BBQ directly from our KCBS cookers. But we’ve figured out a way to get you in on the fun. We got our cookers to throw a little extra special on the grill just for you. A $15 entry fee let’s you be the judge on our competition cookers’ pulled pork samples. Mark your scores out of six 2- ounce samples, the way our KCBS- certified judges do. The winner gets a $200 prize and bragging rights…so you can be sure they care about what you put in your mouth. Best of all, 100% of your $15 per person fee is put right back into this community through the Breakfast Rotary Foundation.
Craft Beer Garden
Do we need to say it? Yeah, over 21 fun by the glassful at the craft beer garden.
Family Zone
Hop on some inflatables, pet a goat, sheep, or zebra, or get your face painted. You never know what kind of good clean fun you’ll find in the Family Zone! Some activities have a small admission fee while others are free!
Schedule of Events
2026 Schedule – TBD, but here’s a sample of last year’s schedule!
2025 Schedule
| Time | Event | Location |
| 10:00 | Welcome to the BBQ! Rotary’s Four Way Test | Main Stage |
| 10:00 | Family Fun Zone Opens | The Field |
| 10:00 | Food Trucks Open | Food Field |
| 10:10 | Band TBD | Main Stage |
| 10:30 | KCBS Judges Check-in | KCBS Tent |
| 11:15 | Snazzy Cheerleading Squad | Main Stage |
| 11:30 | KCBS Judges Meeting | KCBS Tent |
| 11:40 | Band TBD | Main Stage |
| 1:00 | KCBS Chicken Turn-in | KCBS Tent |
| 1:30 | KCBS Rib Turn-in | KCBS Tent |
| 2:00 | KCBS Anything Butt Turn-in | KCBS Tent |
| 2:10 | Band TBD | Main Stage |
| 4:00 | Dr. George Smith BBQ Brawl KCBS Awards Presentation | Main Stage |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is attendance free?
Yes — thanks to our sponsors, Boro BBQ Fest is free and open to the public.
Can I eat BBQ?
Yes! You can vote in the People’s Choice competition, or grab food from vendors serving BBQ, hot dogs, kettle corn, and more.
Are there activities for the family?
Absolutely — it’s a family-friendly event with free and low-cost activities for all ages.
Is there beer?
Yes — guests 21+ can enjoy craft beer pairings with BBQ.
For more details, visit our full FAQ page.