FAQS
Where Are We?
First Ave and Broadway at the foot of world famous downtown Honkytonks on Lower Broadway
When is the Festival?
Friday, August 23th 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Saturday, August 24th 11:00am to 11:00pm
Is There Music?
Did we mention WE ARE Music City and that does mean Music!!!
The Grand Ol’ Porker stage will host music beginning at 5:00pm Friday & Saturday beginning at Noon. Music will play until 11:00pm both nights.
Stay tuned for announcements about our entertainment line up and headliners.
What about the BBQ Championship?
We expect over 100 BBQ cook teams will competing for cash and prizes in a Tennessee State Champion event sanctioned by the Memphis BBQ Network and the Kansas City BBQ Society. Click here for more information about the BBQ Championship.
Will the Teams Serve BBQ?
Please remember, this is a competition. BBQ teams will not provide samples as this is prohibited by Nashville Health Department.
You will find some of Nashville’s best BBQ a one of the many BBQ vendors around the venue.
On Saturday, between Noon and 4:00pm join us in the Lawn at Riverfront for Share Your Fare – A BBQ & Fixings Tasting . Pit Masters from around middle Tennessee will delight your taste buds with samples from their restaurants.
You are also invited to judge in the ever popular People’s Choice Award that will be held Saturday. For a $5.00 donation, you can taste samples cooked by competition teams. Judging will begin at noon and will end when the BBQs gone. Get your tickets early .
How Many People Will Attend?
We expect over 30,000 people will attend this year’s event.
Where can I stay?
The Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville/Downtown, Renaissance Nashville Downtown & Embassy Suites Nashville at Vanderbilt are our Host Hotels. These premium facilities are providing discounted rates for our guest. To reserve a room, please click or call.
Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville/Downtown 310 4th Ave South Downtown. 615-277-5000.
Click here for Hampton Inn reservations.
Renaissance Nashville Downtown 611 Commerce Street, 615-255-8400.
Click here for Renaissance reservations.
Embassy Suites Nashville at Vanderbilt 1811 Broadway, 615-277-4963.
Click here for Embassy Suite reservations.
How Do I Volunteer?
We will need a staff of over 450 volunteers. Click here for more information on how to become a volunteer.
How Do I Purchase Tickets?
Advanced tickets (did we say Discounted) can be purchased on-line begining June 1, 2013 Tickets will also be on sale at the gate on Friday and Saturday. Cash and credit/debit cards will be accepted. Kids under 11 are admitted free.
The Music City Festival, Inc is a IRS approved 501 (c) (3) not for profit corporation. Proceeds will benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children and Wounded Warrior Project
What are Some Other Attractions?
Saturday will feature the following events:
Share Your Fare - A “BBQ & Fixings” Tasting will be in the Lawn at Riverfront on Saturday
“Peoples Choice Award” will be in the Grand Ol’ Porker Arena. Come taste delicious BBQ from championship teams and vote on which team delights your taste buds the best. Voting begins at noon and lasts until the meats gone. The team winning the most votes will be honored as the “People’s Choice Winner” on stage at 6:00pm.
The “Cool Cars and Hot Bikes Show” will be from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm, with awards at 4:30pm. DJ Entertainment starts at 12:30 p.m. Activities for the family at the BBQ Fest include the Kids Zone and live music on several stages throughout the day.
Our “Kids Zone” will feature entertainment for children of all ages. Located on 1st Ave North of the rustic and very cool Fort Nashborough, we’ll feature music, attractions, face painting and more. Remember, Kids under 11 are free!!!
Are pets allow?
Please leave your pets at home. We do not allow any pets within the venue – Sorry!
Where do We go while in Music City?
Of course, we think the Festival is the only place to be. However, while in NashVegas you may want to go HonkyTonkin on Lower Broadway or hear the ghost of country music’s past, present and future by visiting the stage of the historic Ryman Auditorium and , or walk the Country Music Hall of Fame and see history from Elvis to Bocephus, or journey to Music Row, the business heart of the Nashville sound. Wherever you go, you’ll soon begin to feel Nashville’s creative pulse. For more information and ideas on what to do while you’re visiting, explore visitmusiccity.com/visitors.
What is the “SWINE” Ball?
The 2013 Music City BBQ Festival will kick off with the return of the popular “Swine Ball” on August 8, 2013. For those who attended last year’s Pig Nose optional event, (and actually wore one), you will recall a fun filled evening of laughter, music by Mel and The Party Hat, dancing with the Grand Ol’ Porker, music and great BBQ capped off by the memorable moment of the evening, our Hog Calling contest.
We welcome our sponsors, volunteers and those who want to be part of our “Pig Noses Required” event.
Click here for more information about the Swine Ball.