BBQ ON THE RIVER 2023

Barbecue on the River is held each fall in Paducah and is celebrating its 28th year this September. The brainchild of Susie Coiner and Carol Gault, the festival began as an idea to share the famous barbecue of Western Kentucky while also raising money for local charities. It continues today with the same missions on a much larger scale!

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The riverfront festival has welcomed upwards of 40,000 visitors per year for food, drinks, and entertainment and raised nearly half a million dollars of funds for local charities annually in years past.

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Barbecue is the star of this festival, with more than 80,000 pounds of chicken and pork grilled, smoked, cooked, and eaten, among other tasty choices. The meat is cooked by local restaurants, other restaurants that travel quite a ways for the festival, and people who are simply passionate about smoking barbecue.

All the restaurants and individuals are making their barbecues for hungry guests to enjoy, but they are also working to win one of these trophies. Awards are given in categories such as Best Chicken, Best Pulled Pork, Best Whole Hog, Best Ribs, Best Sides, and many more.

The entertainment at the festival keeps things lively and fun, and the atmosphere is excellent for the whole family.

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Vendors and farmer's market items are also available at different times throughout the weekend.

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Barbecue on the River is a favorite fall festival in Paducah that is worthy of a visit from anywhere in Kentucky. It's a great way to usher in fall, taste Western Kentucky's famous barbecue, and visit a city that's just bursting with personality.