Memorial Day Barbecue Festival Destinations

What says "Memorial Day" more than firing up the barbecue and having a celebration with the whole family before the full heat of summer starts up? Instead of slaving away over the hot coals yourself, let someone else do the work, and make it an excuse to get out of town. Pack up the family and head out to any of these barbecue-themed Memorial Day events and you're sure to have a saucy, finger-licking good time.

Great American Barbecue Festival - Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is home to the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the world's largest organization of its kind, so it's only natural that the area around Kansas City hosts the Great American Barbecue Festival. This year it'll be in Bonner Springs. Kansas City barbecue traditionally includes a wide range of meats, and the contest covers four of them – you'll have your fill of brisket, pork shoulder and more here, served up with a sweet sauce and sides. In addition to the barbecue centerpiece, this festival radiates fun, from live music to carnivals to hot air balloon rides! You can even catch culinary demonstrations if you'd like to master the art of the barbecue yourself. After a long day of dining and playing, come home from the event to your Kansas City rental condo and relax.

Best Dam Barbecue Challenge - Boulder City, Nevada

The Best Dam Barbecue Challenge in Boulder City, Nevada, is so named because Boulder City is where you'll find the Hoover Dam. This challenge pits BBQ enthusiasts from around the country. It's smaller than some festivals, but the barbecue will be just as good – and that means you might actually get the chance to go around and try samples from everyone. Plus, Boulder City isn't far from Las Vegas, so if you want to kill time that weekend before the Challenge starts up on Monday, rent a Las Vegas vacation condo over the weekend and have a ridiculously good time.

Red, White and BBQ Festival - Westmont, Illinois

If you're looking to visit the Midwest, check out the Red, White and BBQ Festival in Westmont, Illinois. While this one isn't in a huge city, it's still an interesting weekend-long festival with more than just barbecue to look forward to. Visit the carnival with the kids, watch a 3-on-3 soccer tournament or stroll through a dizzying array of food vendors each more delicious than the last. Live music keeps the festival moving, while themed cooking demonstrations teach you everything you need to become a brilliant backyard barbecuer. You can even participate in judging the "People's Choice" contest – and this year's theme is chili, so you're in for a spicy, meaty treat.

Rib America Festival - St. Louis, Missouri

In the heart of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, the Rib America Festival celebrates the self-professed "World's Best Ribs." With free early bird admission from Friday through Monday, this is a budget-friendly choice, too, though you'll want to set aside some money for food, drink and festival games! In addition to the barbecue goods you'd expect, you can enjoy fair-style food and games. Live music will be ongoing on stage every day, with both local favorites and some nationally-famous acts. St. Louis barbecue tends to be pork served with a tangy sauce, a Missouri variation all its own from the better-known Kansas City variety, so if that sounds like your idea of delicious, rent a condo in St. Louis and join in.

Northeast Tennessee Battle of the Pigs BBQ and Car Show - Gray, Tennessee

Car fans and barbecue aficionados alike will find something to enjoy at the Northeast Tennessee Battle of the Pigs BBQ and Car Show in Gray, Tennessee, at the Appalachian Fair Grounds. More than just an excuse to chow down on smoked, meaty excellence, this show features some truly amazing vehicles of all makes and models. A crafters' fair rounds out the experience, making this fest fun for everyone. You do have to buy tickets to get into the show, but a ticket lasts both Friday and Saturday, and where else can you find all these things rolled into one?

Memorial Weekend Rodeo and Cook-Off - Bandera, Texas

Bandera, Texas, also known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," features a barbecue cook-off as part of its Memorial Weekend Rodeo. If you've never been to a rodeo before, this is a great excuse to start. Have a little cowboy fun watching the bravest of the brave ride bulls, wrestle cattle and more, then stop by the barbecue cook-off where enthusiasts battle to determine the region's best barbecue.