MoCo Government News

BBQ Fest Across the River Set to Serve Up a Weekend of BBQ, Music and Fun

October 06, 2026 - MoCo Gov.

Last Edited: October 06, 2026 @ 12:21 pm

Montgomery County Parks and Recreation is excited to bring back BBQ Fest Across the River, presented by First Federal Bank! This two-day, family-friendly event will take place at RichEllen Park on Friday, October 9, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free, with activities for all ages. 

Friday Night Kickoff – October 9 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. 
The festival kicks off Friday evening with something for everyone: firs

  • Family Zone- featuring inflatables, face painting, and other free activities
  • Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.
  • ‘Meat the Teams’ - For barbecue enthusiasts, powered by United Rentals, ‘Meat the Teams’ offers a chance to walk around, meet the pitmasters and learn about their techniques as they prep for competition.
  • Live music from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. by local musicians Lucian and Donald Greene.

Food will be available for purchase on-site from: Southside BBQ, Hilltop Market BBQ, Kadis Tacos, Bojangles, Donut NV, Joyful Squeeze Co and Merry Oak Manor Farm.  

Saturday Fun – October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
Saturday, the celebration continues: 

  • The Family Zone will once again be open with the same free kid-friendly activities.
  • Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by Providence Builders: Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., with the tournament starting at 9:00 a.m.
  • Live music from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. by local musicians Colin Thomas Isotti and Chuck Mossey.
  • Watch SEC football on the big screen.
  • Awards ceremony at 2:00 p.m.; Stick around to see who wins the barbecue competition and corn hole tournament!
  • Food will be available for purchase on-site from: Southside BBQ, Hilltop Market BBQ, Pop and Dogs, Bojangles, Donut NV, Joyful Squeeze Co and Merry Oak Manor Farm.

Taste Award-Winning BBQ on Oct. 10 
While entry to the festival is free, foodies won’t want to miss the chance to sample BBQ straight from the competitors! Wyatt Johnson’s People’s Choice tasting tickets are available for $10 and allow you to try delicious BBQ and vote for your favorite. Tasting begins at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10. If you want to stick around to see who wins, the awards ceremony will take place at 2:00 pm.  

For People’s Choice tickets, visit montgomerytn.gov/parks/bbq-fest. 

Thank You to Our Sponsors  
This event is made possible through the generous support of First Federal Bank, Wyatt Johnson, Providence Builders, Hilltop Supermarket & Pharmacy, Visit Clarksville, and Montgomery County Parks and Recreation. 

All proceeds from BBQ Fest Across the River will benefit the Tri-County Sportsman’s Association, supporting local youth and community programs. 

For more information, visit montgomerytn.gov/parks/bbq-fest or follow Montgomery County Parks and Recreation on Facebook or Instagram.