Barbeque!

Whether you prefer your ‘que tangy or spicy, sliced or chopped, on or off the bone, arrive hungry because at Bloomin’ BBQ you can sample stellar preparations side-by-side. Nearly 40 of the best BBQ cook teams in the U.S.—some of whom have appeared on Food Network—will compete for $17,500 in cash and prizes plus the title of “Tennessee State Champion” in the “Bush’s Best TN State Championship Cook Off.”

The competition starts early on Saturday. Stroll through the “Que Zone” and breathe deep delicious aromas as teams cook an estimated 2,832 pounds of meat including 20 pounds of pulled pork, 24 pounds of brisket, 5 pounds of chicken and 10 pounds of ribs each. Reward your watering mouth and get a taste of the deliciousness – three of the competitors are also vending their award-winning ‘que.

Competition winners will be selected by a panel of judges certified by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. The big announcements will be made at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Winning teams are honored in dozens of categories with cash prizes: Chicken, Ribs, Pork, Brisket, Dessert, “Anything Bush Beans,” and “Anything Swaggerty’s Farm Sausage.” The grand champion will walk away with $2,500 and bragging rights.

Music!

Whether you get up and dance — the Bloomie the Pig mascot may join you!—or sit in your favorite lawn chair, you won’t want to miss any of the free bluegrass concerts. The main stage will showcase a range of acts from rising stars to legends.

“We always strive for an exciting festival lineup that showcases quality bluegrass, country, and Americana music,” says festival coordinator Amanda Marr. “We look forward to a fantastic festival in 2023.”

Mountain Soul Vocal Competition!

The unique Mountain Soul Vocal Competition honors the songwriting of Sevierville’s favorite hometown girl, Dolly Parton.

Competitors, male and female, choose a song written by Dolly Parton (there are over 3,000 options!) and sing it in their own vocal style (rock, rap, country, bluegrass, swing, soul, etc.) Though imitation is a form of flattery, the goal of this competition is for singers to showcase their own personal style (not Dolly’s) while singing Parton’s words.

Finalists from across the nation will compete in two divisions (age 12 and younger; age 13 and older) on the Saturday of the festival.

Finalists are selected based on audition recordings that were submitted in advance. A total of 30 singers will compete for cash and prizes, including a Nashville recording session at Sound Wave Studios!