BY NATALIE DERRICKSON
Smoke, sunshine, and sweet tunes fill the air during one of the most awaited events of the summer: the Madison BBQ party.
A southern Indiana staple for over 20 years, the Madison BBQ Party celebrates everything great about summer during the third weekend of August. In its new era as the Madison BBQ Party (formerly known as Ribberfest), barbecue is the star. The event includes the Indiana State Championship Barbecue Cookoff, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. With great music from Indiana’s Music City showcased throughout the event, this is a party worth attending.
“We’ve gone from a national blues event that accidentally had barbecue, back to a world-class barbecue event that has great music,” said Steve Thomas, one of the event organizers. “First and foremost, we return to the formula that got this event ranked as one of the top five best events in the state. Indiana professional and amateur barbecue championships are a big deal. We are also being crowned as ‘Indiana’s Music City.’ There are incredible musicians here, so why not showcase them? And, yes, blues will be the boss.”
Professional and amateur pitmasters plan for their competitions for months, with both personal pride and prizes on the line. But the competition isn’t just for the adults — kids ages 8 to 15 will get to showcase their grill skills for the glory and cash scholarships during the KidZ Q’ competition.
Whether you’re into great food, incredible music, or just ready for summer fun during the third weekend in August, Madison is the place to be.
“Besides all the barbecuing, there will be a carnival-like atmosphere with sprinkler parks, bouncy houses, and clowns,” said Thomas. “We’ll have some great music, including a ‘Battle of the Bands’ during the day with younger musicians. There are rib-eating contests, Pigmania, and lots of things for families to enjoy.”
The Madison BBQ Party takes place Aug. 21 and 22, 2026, and admission is free. For contest entry information and event details, visit madisonbbqparty.us.
