The Bixby BBQ and Blues Festival returns in 2026 as a three-day celebration organized by the Rotary Club of Bixby in partnership with Hillcrest Hospital South. Running May 14–16 at Washington Irving Memorial Park, the festival has earned recognition as the largest BBQ festival in Oklahoma and among the best cooking events in America. The event blends live blues performances, BBQ competition, and family-friendly attractions into one community gathering that generates proceeds for the Rotary Club's year-round charitable work.

Festival Purpose and Recognition

Beyond the music and food, the Bixby BBQ and Blues Festival serves as a major fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Bixby, which uses proceeds to support community scholarships, Shop With A Cop programs, Christmas parade initiatives, the Dictionary Project (distributing over 950 dictionaries annually to third-graders), and international service projects in Belize, Uganda, and Mexico. The festival's direct connection between attendance and local charitable impact distinguishes it from purely commercial celebrations. Past festival revenues helped construct the Rotary Club of Bixby Amphitheater, now a permanent fixture in Washington Irving Memorial Park.

BBQ Competition and People's Choice Award

The heart of the festival centers on barbecue competition and appreciation. Multiple BBQ teams compete throughout the event, with festival attendees playing an active role in determining the winner. Visitors can purchase a taster's kit on Saturday morning (11:30 AM–2:30 PM), sample what organizers describe as "the best BBQ in Oklahoma and in the Midwest," and cast their vote for the People's Choice Award. The Bixby Kids-Q competition, presented by Sprouts Farmers Market Bixby, runs Thursday at 6:00 PM for young BBQ enthusiasts. A cornhole tournament sponsored by Sutherlands of Bixby runs Saturday at 1:00 PM with a double-elimination format and complimentary beer for players 21 and older.

The Lineup and Music Schedule

The festival features live blues performances curated in partnership with the Tulsa Blues Society. Thursday evening opens with Bixby Jazz II and Bixby Jazz I performances before The Zuits take the stage from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Friday features Big Train and the Loco Motives (5:00–6:30 PM), Chebon Tiger (7:00–8:30 PM), and Paul Benjaman (9:00–10:30 PM). Saturday's full day of programming includes Phantasmagoria, James Groves Blues Band, The Hydramatics, Rubyland, and King Cabbage Brass Band closing out the evening at 8:00 PM. Music sponsorship from Scissortail Wealth Management and radio partnerships with iHeartMedia, KMOD, and 106.1 The Twister amplify the festival's reach.

Food, Vendors, and Entertainment

Food vendors include Misfits Pits BBQ, Boss n' Hog, Fry Daddy's BBQ, Crown Concessions, Kandy's Coffee, Pineapple Whip, and Greg's Kettle Corn. Beyond the BBQ, vendors offer hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, beer, and soft drinks. Great Plains Carnival provides rides including a Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, and The Zipper. Over 50 retail vendors display and sell goods and services. A dedicated kids' zone features inflatable jumpers, slides, and family activities. Parking is available for $10.