Summer Festival & BBQ Competition

Downtown Dowagiac is heating up!  The third annual barbecue competition, featuring an amatuer division sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, will be held during the annual Summer Festival.  This family-friendly celebration brings the community together with live music, dance performances, interactive children's entertainment, games, and food trucks.

Stroll through downtown to explore summer sales at local specialty shops, discover artisan booths, and connect with community organizations and commercial vendors.  Plus, Southwestern Michigan College’s annual Steve’s Run kicks off Friday evening, right in the heart of downtown.

Don’t miss this exciting weekend of fun, food, and festivities! 

VENDOR REGISTRATION CLICK HERE

BBQ COMPETITION REGISTRATION CLICK HERE

Gather your crew and fire up the grill—everyone’s welcome to join the Backyard division, where you’ll cook up delicious chicken and ribs alongside fellow BBQ lovers. This KCBS-sanctioned event brings together teams and certified judges from across the country for a flavorful, fun-filled day of friendly competition and community spirit.