What goes together better than the sweet sound of bluegrass and mouthwatering barbecue? Nothing, and if you disagree, then a trip to this year’s Bluegrass and BBQ Festival in Branson, MO will change your mind! Branson’s Silver Dollar City comes alive with the sounds and smells of southern culture for three and a half weeks in May, featuring the biggest names in bluegrass and some of the best bbq you can find. Here’s a preview of what you can expect, and why you don’t want to miss out on the best bluegrass and barbecue festival around!

Bluegrass and BBQ Festival Musicians

Starting on the first day of the festival, May 5, Silver Dollar City will host bluegrass musicians from Missouri and around the country. But these aren’t just any musicians – these are some of the best in the bluegrass business! Multiple performances on several stages every day by highly-talented fiddlers, banjo players and guitarists might actually distract you from the BBQ itself. 2016’s schedule is highlighted by artists like Grammy-winning Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, The Gibson Brothers and many, many more! Musicians travelling from as far as New Mexico and as close as Galena, MO are slated to perform. The KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest will be held on May 28, an exciting competition of the nation’s up and coming bluegrass artists. Click here for a full list of this year’s artists and dates.

Bluegrass and BBQ Festival Food

A bluegrass and barbecue festival that doesn’t feature food as good as its music wouldn’t be worth attending, right? Fear not, hungry festival-goers, because that’s a problem you won’t have to worry about here. BBQ enthusiasts know that Missouri is one of the nation’s most famous regions for the southern dish, and with good reason. From Kansas City to St. Louis, the Show-Me State will show and serve you some of the best barbecue you’ll taste. Silver Dollar City’s Reunion Hall and House of BBQ (better known as the Red Gold Heritage Hall not during the festival) will be the epicenters of festival food. House of BBQ is featuring the all-new Rib Extravaganza (featuring four different styles of rubs and finishes), in addition to barbecue sandwiches, full dinners (including hickory smoked beef brisket!) and savory sides. Head to Reunion Hall for the rib feast, an all-you-can-eat barbecue smorgasbord featuring St. Louis style ribs, hickory smoked chicken and sausage, and more! Included in this feast is a salad bar, sides and dessert and a drink.

If you know anything about Kansas City BBQ, you know that the sauce is no bench player – it’s a key ingredient. Located in Silver Dollar City is Bottle Neck Bros. Sauce Shack, your one-stop shop for all things barbecue sauce. Be sure to stop by and shop their impressive sauce stock!

More Information

Aside from being home to the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, Silver Dollar City is one of Branson’s most exciting attractions! Plenty of rides, shops, craftsmen and more make this one of the best things to do in Branson, whether you’re here for a festival or not. Tickets for the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, which will also grant you access to park’s attractions, can be purchased here. The festival runs from May 5-30.

Amazing Branson Vacation Rentals

The best way to enjoy a vacation in Branson is stay at one of Amazing Branson’s rental cabins! Relax in the comfort of one of our spacious, rustic cabins after a long day of music and food, and you won’t want to leave. Call us today at (972) 849-6363 about reservations and specials, including the special we’re running for our 10th birthday celebration!