Bluegrass & BBQ Festival 2026 at Silver Dollar City
Experience One of Branson’s Biggest Spring Events
Every May, Silver Dollar City transforms into a full-scale music and food festival—and in 2026, the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival returns May 7 through May 25 with bigger crowds, bigger flavor, and nonstop entertainment.
This isn’t just an event—it’s the entire park experience elevated with live music on every corner and the smell of slow-smoked BBQ in the air.
Live Bluegrass Across the Park
During the festival, you’ll find live performances happening all day long across multiple stages—from intimate pickin’ circles to full-scale concerts.
What to Expect:
- 50+ bands and hundreds of performances
- National touring bluegrass artists and rising talent
- Continuous music from morning through evening
Featured Performers Include:
- Rhonda Vincent & The Rage May9-11
- Route 3 May 9-11
- Kenny and Amanda Smith May 10-11
- Special Consensus May 10-11
- Pitney Meyer May 14-15
- Little Roy & Lizzy May 15-16
Major concerts take place at the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre, while smaller stages throughout the park keep the music going all day.
A BBQ Festival Worth the Trip
This is where the festival really stands out.
What to Expect
- Massive House of BBQ setup with pitmasters
-
Classic + creative items:
- Pulled pork, brisket, smoked chicken
- BBQ brisket grilled cheese
- BBQ kettle chips
- Banana pudding funnel cakes
- Peach cobbler bread pudding
Tasting Ticket
- About $38 for 5 tasting items
- Best way to sample multiple items without committing to full plates
If you love BBQ, this festival alone is reason enough to visit.
Insider Tip:
Grab a BBQ Tasting Pass to sample multiple items—it’s the best way to experience everything without committing to full meals.
Special 2026 Highlight
As part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration,
- A Celebrate America Concert (May 9) kicks off the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration
- Features Branson favorites like The Haygoods, Clay Cooper, and more
Why Guests Love It
- Included with regular park admission
- Combines live music + incredible food + world-class theme park rides
- One of the largest bluegrass festivals in the country
- Perfect for families, couples, and group travel
Discover Branson Travel Tip
This is one of the best times of the year to visit Branson.
We recommend:
- Booking mid-May for the strongest entertainment lineup
- Pairing your visit with a night show on the Strip
- Reserving early—this event draws large crowds and lodging fills quickly
Plan Your Bluegrass & BBQ Getaway
Call 1-800-768-3892 to speak with a local vacation planner or start building your trip today.
