BBQ Competition Returns to Jackson with a New Twist: The Hub City BBQ Fest Joins Forces with the Jacob Barker Music Festival
After an eight-year hiatus, one of the region’s most beloved food events is returning home with a new name and a powerful purpose. The Hub City BBQ Fest is set to take place October 3–4, 2025 in Downtown Jackson, bringing world-class barbeque, live music, and charitable giving together in one unforgettable weekend.
Formerly known as the Blues Hog BBQ Fest, the competition began in Jackson in 2015 before relocating to Hardin County. This year marks its exciting return to its original home — with a significant new partnership. The festival is joining forces with the Jacob Barker Music Festival, combining savory flavors and soulful sounds to benefit the Make-A-Wish Midsouth.
The Hub City BBQ Fest is an official Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition and is recognized as a State Championship BBQ Contest. Barbeque teams from across the nation will compete for more than $14,000 in prize money, with one team ultimately crowned Grand Champion.
Festival-goers won’t just be watching the action — they’ll get to taste it. The popular People’s Choice BBQ sampling event takes place Saturday at 11:00 a.m., where attendees can sample award-winning barbeque and vote for their favorite team. Winners of the People’s Choice Award as well as the competition winners will be announced at the 3:00 p.m. awards ceremony that same day.
The Jacob Barker Music Festival adds a heartfelt dimension to the weekend. Founded in 2016 by Ronnie and Melissa Barker in honor of their son, Jacob, the festival raises funds for the Make-A-Wish Midsouth, which once granted Jacob’s own wish for a Disney World trip during his battle with retinoblastoma — a rare eye cancer. Now a cancer survivor, Jacob and his family remain deeply involved in supporting other children facing life-threatening illnesses.
Since its inception, the Jacob Barker Music Festival has raised thousands of dollars to grant life-changing wishes. The 2025 partnership with the Hub City BBQ Fest is expected to boost both attendance and fundraising efforts, all while offering an unforgettable community experience.
Don’t miss this unique fusion of food, music, and mission — a celebration of flavor, hope, and local impact in the heart of West Tennessee.
For more information, including vendor and team registration, visit www.jacobbarkermusicfest.com or www.hubcitybbqfest.com.
