Who is behind the Tri City BBQ Fest?
This is a non-profit event created by the Chamber & Development Council of Crawford County (CDC, a non-profit organization) with the support of the Denison Tourism Board, Crawford County Tourism, CDC members, the City of Denison and numerous sponsors and volunteers. The Festival is a 100% non-profit event.
Why did you create the Tri City BBQ Fest?
Because we love BBQ! (Also to market our wonderful community, attract visitors, raise community pride, thank our meat-industry employers, claim our position between 3 major metros and welcome millions of dollars in economic impact from tourism within our community.)
When is the event?
The 2024 BBQ Fest is scheduled for Friday, September 20th starting at 5pm. AND Saturday, September 21st. See the schedule HERE.
What time will you begin closing streets on Friday?
We will begin to close Main St. from 1st Ave. S. to Broadway on THURSDAY evening. Friday at 8am we will close essentially every other street designated on the map. Crawford County Bank will allow drive-thru traffic until noon if vehicles enter from N. Main.
Where will I park?
In years past we offered a shuttle from the Fairgrounds but usage was very low. There are many public spaces in the neighborhoods surrounding Uptown Denison, just a short walk from Uptown. Many visitors know someone here, park at their house and walk over. Visitors in years past are surprised that parking somehow isn’t that difficult. There are a number of ADA parking spaces around the area.
How much is admission?
Admission to the festival and all concerts is free. You will need to buy BBQ Bucks at the event to purchase almost everything: food, rides, soda, beer, etc. One dollar will get you one ticket. If other businesses are on site taking cash only, they will be marked as such.
How many BBQ competitors will you have?
We will allow as many BBQ competitors we can fit into Uptown Denison to compete for the $17,000 in prize money which is divided up to both Master Series and Backyard Series competitors. We always have the goal of reaching 25 Master Series teams in an effort to make our contest an official National Qualifier for the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS)!
Will I be able to eat BBQ at the event?
Uh, yeah! We will have full-time BBQ vendors serving up all kinds of tasty smoked meats. However, the BBQ competitors cook only for selected KCBS judges, with the exception of the People’s Choice competition on Saturday at 2:30pm. At People’s Choice, our visitors walk right up to become judges and choose the winner!
Do you have non-BBQ food vendors?
Yes! In addition to BBQ, there’s also a variety of other food including asian, Mexican, ice cream and many other treats.
Can I bring coolers or my own food/drink to the concert?
No. It is not fair to our wonderful vendors to allow outside food or drink. Anyone caught breaking these rules will be asked to leave the festival.
Can I bring my own chair to the concert?
Yes, but you must stay in the designated areas and please stay off the sidewalks.
Where can I bring my beer, wine or other drinks I buy at the Fest?
Good news! You can take adult beverages anywhere within the Fest perimeter with the only exception being the BBQ competition areas designated on the Event Map. This means you can roam the majority of Uptown including the concert area, vendor and dining areas, and the car show on Saturday as you sip on a cold one…Cheers!
Are kids welcome?
Of course! We will have lots of things for kids to enjoy. Our stage content is generally very family-friendly as we ask our performers to keep it “PG-13”. Please research the acts playing if you are unsure about bringing young children to the concerts.
Are dogs welcome?
We love dogs! (Did you know Denison has an amazing dog park?) Bring those pups on over as long as you follow the following rules: 1.) Clean up any mess like a good dog owner. 2.) Be sure your pup is well behaved and good with large crowds. 3.) Keep them on a SHORT leash at all times (no extension leashes). 4.) Most businesses will not allow dogs inside.
Are bicycles welcome?
Yes, you can ride TO the fest, but please do not ride THROUGH the fest — it is too dangerous with the large crowds we have. Please lock up your bike at the edge and come on in! Denison is a pro-cycling community. We have miles of paved trails and host “Manilla Madness” each year – a 26 mile ride through the county’s scenic hills. We were even a RAGBRAI host community in 2018!
Is smoking permitted at the event?
Smoking is permitted within designated areas only. Please be respectful of your fellow visitors and look for the signs. Please do not throw your cigarette butts on the ground. We appreciate it.
Will there be places to sit?
There will be lots of picnic tables near the food vendors and around the concert area. Feel free to bring your camp chair to the designated area near the stage (See map. Limited room – first come, first served).
What if the weather turns nasty?
Hold on to your hats! This is a rain-or-shine event. Septembers in Iowa typically mean any storms are scattered and usually pass quickly. Take shelter and plan on coming back when it passes.
Where should Uptown businesses tell their workers to park?
Just like previous years, parking in Uptown will be very limited. Carpooling or being dropped off for Friday work is highly encouraged.
Are businesses in Uptown going to be open during the event?
Definitely! It is a great time to shop our wonderful merchants. See the map for some visitor favorites. We are encouraging retail businesses across town to stay open longer and have more staff to handle the potential for increased business. That being said, some service-related businesses in Uptown will have more limited hours.
Where is the concert area?
The concert area is right in the heart of Uptown at Broadway and Main. Check back soon for an official map.
Will it be loud? How late will the music go?
Yes, it will be quite loud across town, especially near Uptown. This is the welcome tradeoff for having lots of visitors coming to town. The music will stop by Midnight Friday and Saturday.
Will there be fireworks this year?
For the 10th Anniversary of the Tri City BBQ Fest we will shoot fireworks off on Saturday night!
Will it be fun?
Yes!