BOWLING GREEN EVENTS FIELD GUIDE

Smoke, Music, and Reindeer: A Day at Bowling Green’s BBQ FESTIVAL

A day-long festival at The Reindeer Farm with Kentucky BBQ tastings, a People’s Choice vote, live music and family-friendly activities—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

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Smoke, Music, and Reindeer: A Day at Bowling Green’s BBQ FESTIVAL.

Duration

6.5 hours

Location

Bowling Green

Operator

The Reindeer Farm

Outing Highlights

THE PITMASTERS

Local Pitmasters Lining the Smokers

A lineup of regional competitors and vendors—Pappy D’s, Bourbon Trail BBQ, Dads BBQ & Catering and Billy’s BBQ—provide the BBQ tastings that define the festival and compete for the People’s Choice award.

LOCAL FLAVORS

Distillers and Wineries on the Grounds

The festival partners with local alcohol vendors, including B.H. James Distillers and J&H Winery, offering local spirits and wines alongside the BBQ and craft vendors.

THE FAMILY SCENE

Animals, Crafts and Live Entertainment

Beyond the tasting tents, the event is designed as family-friendly entertainment with live music, crafts, games and opportunities to encounter the farm’s animals while guests sample BBQ and cast ballots for the People’s Choice winner.

What the day feels like

What the Day Feels Like

Across roughly six and a half hours, the festival unfolds as tasting stations and vendor booths ring the event grounds. Guests move between pitmaster tents to sample Kentucky BBQ, stop at designated voting points to cast a People’s Choice ballot, pause for live music and family activities, and visit animal areas and craft vendors for a slower pace between tastings.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this festival suits—and who should reconsider.

Families with childrenA family-friendly event with crafts, games and animal encounters makes this a good daytime outing for children and caregivers.

BBQ and food loversGuests focused on tasting regional BBQ will find multiple skilled pitmasters on site and an organized People’s Choice vote to help compare favorites.

Fans of local drinks and vendorsThose interested in local distillers and wineries will find B.H. James Distillers, J&H Winery and other craft vendors integrated into the festival offering tastings and purchases.

Visitors seeking a quiet outingIf you prefer calm, low‑crowd experiences, a daytime festival with live music, tasting tents and alcohol service may be less suitable.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The festival is a day-pass event with a total duration of approximately 6.5 hours.

Meeting Point

Meet at The Reindeer Farm: 2541 Old Union Church Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101 for check-in and entry.

What to Expect

Expect multiple BBQ tasting stations staffed by local pitmasters, live music, family activities and on-site beverage and craft vendors.

Tickets & Voting

Day-pass attendees will receive a ticket to cast a vote for the People’s Choice BBQ award.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the BBQ FESTIVAL last?

The festival runs for approximately 6.5 hours.

Where do I go to check in for the event?

Check-in and the meeting point are at The Reindeer Farm, 2541 Old Union Church Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101.

Which pitmasters will be serving tastings?

The announced pitmasters include Pappy D’s, Bourbon Trail BBQ, Dads BBQ & Catering and Billy’s BBQ.

Is the event appropriate for children?

Yes—this is promoted as a family-friendly event with crafts, games and animal encounters suitable for children.

Will there be alcohol available at the festival?

Yes; alcohol vendors at the event include B.H. James Distillers and J&H Winery.

Can every guest vote for the People’s Choice BBQ winner?

All guests will be given a ticket to cast a vote for the People’s Choice BBQ award.