National Barbecue Day on May 16 signals the start of grilling season across the United States. As temperatures climb and backyard grills come to life, the day marks a seasonal shift toward open-air meals and relaxed gatherings. It’s a moment that highlights barbecue not just as a food, but as a tradition rooted in flavor, community and connection.
From neighborhood cookouts to major festivals, events are popping up in cities and towns nationwide. It’s a day that blends local flavor with national pride, giving everyone a reason to fire up their grills and join the celebration.
A brief history
The earliest documented mention of barbecue in the U.S. dates back to 1672 in Virginia. Since then, it has evolved into many regional forms, from Carolina’s vinegar sauces to Texas dry rubs. As barbecue became a staple of American identity, the idea of spotlighting it with a dedicated day fit naturally into a growing trend.
In an article by Robert F. Moss, it was revealed that the idea of assigning national days to specific foods or activities isn’t new — it dates back to the 1950s when PR firms began creating national week campaigns to help promote everything from potatoes to car care.
By the late 1950s, a librarian named William D. Chase started collecting these announcements and teamed up with his brother Harrison to publish Chase’s Calendar of Events. In recent years, digital calendars like National Day Calendar and Foodimentary helped cement National Barbecue Day as a recognized celebration, even if different sources sometimes disagree on the exact date.
While May 16 now leads the charge, earlier attempts at creating a barbecue holiday didn’t gain much ground. It wasn’t until food calendar websites and social media channels began embracing the concept that the day found a larger audience. Publicists saw the opportunity, influencers joined in and barbecue fans rallied, transforming what was once a novelty into a widely recognized food celebration.
The significance of May 16
National Barbecue Day arrives just as the country begins to ease into summer. School years wind down, the days stretch longer and the air smells like charcoal and cut grass. May 16 hits that sweet spot right before Memorial Day, giving people a reason to kick off the outdoor cooking season early. It’s a chance to break out the smoker or dust off the grill cover that’s been untouched since fall.
The weather plays a big role, too. By mid-May, much of the country is warm enough for backyard gatherings but not yet in the sweltering grip of summer. That makes it perfect for slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches and an afternoon spent outdoors with friends and neighbors.
Celebrations across the country
Across the U.S., National Barbecue Day inspires a wide range of gatherings, from small-town cookouts to major food festivals. While some celebrate with neighborhood potlucks and family grills, others head to full-scale festivals that blend music, competition and local flavor. Below are a few standout celebrations that mark the occasion with flavor and festivity.
Bloomin’ BBQ in Tennessee
In Sevierville, Tenn., the Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival kicks off on May 16 with live performances, a state championship cook-off and plenty of barbecue served alongside festival staples. Festival goers can sample regional barbecue styles, attend cooking demos and enjoy dishes ranging from full racks of ribs to fried catfish. It’s a celebration of food, music and Southern hospitality all in one.
SmokeSlam in Memphis
Drawing top pitmasters from around the country to compete for over $250,000 in prizes, SmokeSlam is one of the largest barbecue competitions in the country. Guests can enjoy live music from local and national acts and cooking demos from some of the biggest names in barbecue.
BBQ’d Productions weekend celebration
From May 16 through 18, BBQ’d Productions, with locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, celebrates the weekend with a full lineup of festivities. This event includes chef-curated mini platters, smoked meat specials and themed cocktails that showcase house favorites.
A smoke-filled sendoff
National Barbecue Day invites people to embrace the shift in season by stepping outside and firing up the grill. It arrives just as longer days and warmer weather make outdoor meals more inviting, encouraging a return to relaxed routines and communal eating. For many, May 16 isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder that good food has a way of bringing people together. The smoke also signals more than flavor by marking a moment of transition, from spring’s final stretch to summer’s unfolding rhythm.
Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her work appears in dozens of publications, including MSN, Yahoo, The Washington Post and The Seattle Times. These days, she’s busy in the kitchen developing recipes and traveling the world, and you can find all her best creations at Cook What You Love.