Tuesday, April 7, 2026
-News Release-
Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the return of the Backyard BBQ Bash, set to take place on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ridge Ferry Park, located at 363 Riverside Parkway in Rome, Georgia. This highly anticipated spring event promises a day full of delicious barbecue, exciting competitions, and fun for the whole family.
The Backyard BBQ Bash will feature barbecue sampling, people’s choice voting, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and more. Gates open at 10 a.m., with sampling beginning immediately and continuing until 2:30 p.m. or earlier if teams start running out of barbecue. To participate in the barbecue sampling, attendees can purchase a sampling bracelet for just $5 (limited to one per person). Parking for the event is $5 per car and is card-only.
For barbecue enthusiasts, the event includes a thrilling Cook-Off competition open to teams of all skill levels. Registration is now open with entry fees starting at $50. Teams must provide their own meat and will receive four event t-shirts, four team member wristbands, one sample bracelet, and a 20’x20′ cook site as part of their entry package. Pre-registration closes on Wednesday, April 22; however, teams registering after this date may not be guaranteed event t-shirts.
The Cook-Off features two contest categories—pork and chicken—with cash prizes awarded to the top two winners in each category as determined by judges. First-place winners will receive $300 and second-place winners $200. Additionally, an Overall Winner will be crowned based on combined points from both categories (participation in People’s Choice voting is required to qualify). The Overall Winner will receive $500. Please note that prize amounts are subject to change based on the number of participating teams.
People’s Choice voting will also recognize the top three pork entries with trophies and public recognition. Attendees are encouraged to cast their votes for their favorite barbecue during the event.
In addition to the barbecue festivities, attendees can explore a variety of arts and crafts vendors offering unique handmade items and enjoy a selection of food trucks serving up tasty treats throughout the day.
Artists, businesses, and vendors interested in participating can choose from three site sizes: 12’x12′ for $50, 20’x20′ for $75, or 30’x30′ for $100. Food and beverage vendors can secure a space for $100. For more information about becoming a vendor or participating in the cook-off, contact Tyler Stinson at tyler.stinson@floydcountyga.org.
Don’t miss this exciting community celebration! Whether you’re sampling mouthwatering barbecue or browsing through local crafts, there’s something for everyone at the Backyard BBQ Bash. Mark your calendars now for this unforgettable event at Ridge Ferry Park
