- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- ActivitiesFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 16
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍖
National BBQ Day fires up our grills and appetites every May 16, celebrating the rich tradition of barbecue across America. From slow-smoked ribs to perfectly charred burgers, it’s a day to gather with loved ones and indulge in outdoor cooking. Plan a backyard cookout, visit your favorite smokehouse, or try a new BBQ recipe to join the sizzle!
Want to sponsor National BBQ Day? Learn how
History of National BBQ Day
Barbecues are one of America’s favorite pastimes. Since the activity is highly common in the U.S., it is no surprise that a special day has been dedicated to celebrating the barbecuing tradition.
Although the concept of barbecuing did not originate in America, the activity has become an essential part of American culture today. The history of barbecuing in the U.S. goes back to colonial times where any celebration was incomplete without a cookout. After the Revolutionary War was won and the first bridge was built over the Missouri River, barbecue celebrations erupted all over the nation. Even the American presidents are famous for hosting massive barbecues during times of success and on days of special observances. In fact, George Washington’s diary is said to have referenced a barbecue event that lasted for three days — that’s how deeply rooted barbecuing is in the country’s history!
Barbecues are a White House tradition thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson who started this trend by hosting the first-ever barbecue in the presidential headquarters. The food items served at the event included delicious Texas-style barbecue wings.
National BBQ Day timeline
Mammoth meat is grilled in a four feet long cooking pit.
A Spanish explorer mentions the word ‘barbecoa’ in his account of the West Indies.
British buccaneer William Dampier uses the word ‘barbecue’ for the first time.
Thomas Edison designs the first commercial charcoal briquet factory.
National BBQ Day FAQs
When is National BBQ Day?
In 2027, National BBQ Day is observed on Sunday, May 16, providing another fantastic weekend for pitmasters and grill enthusiasts to celebrate. This year, plan a relaxed Sunday feast with family and friends.
How much BBQ do Americans consume?
The love for BBQ in the U.S. remains strong, with surveys consistently showing high participation rates in outdoor cooking. Roughly 80% of American households engage in grilling or barbecuing, making it a prevalent culinary activity.
What is the history of barbecue in America?
Tracing its roots to the Caribbean and colonial America, barbecue gained prominence as a communal cooking method. The practice spread across the Southern states, developing distinct regional styles like Carolina vinegar-based, Texas brisket, Kansas City sweet, and Memphis dry rub, each with its unique flavor profile.
What's the difference between grilling and barbecuing?
The key distinction lies in temperature and time: grilling is hot and fast, perfect for burgers and steaks, whereas barbecuing is low and slow, ideal for larger cuts like ribs or briskets. Barbecuing often involves a smoker or indirect heat source to achieve tender, smoky results.
How to Celebrate National BBQ Day
Host a barbecue
A simple way to celebrate the day is to host a barbecue for friends and family in your very own backyard. Cook, eat, and enjoy!
Throw a barbecue eating competition
Indulge in a barbecue eating competition at a restaurant. It can get messy, but the event will surely be a fun one.
Create a new recipe
Experiment and try to cook up a new barbecue sauce recipe for steak or burgers. Who knows, you might end up opening your own food chain one day.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Barbecues
The longest barbecue
Held in Georgia, the longest barbecue lasted for up to 80 hours.
Researching the best barbecue restaurants
Johnny Fugit ate at 365 restaurants in the U.S. in a year.
The favorite grilling food
85% of people prefer grilling burgers at barbecues.
The largest barbecue in Mexico
45,000 people were present at the barbecue largest barbecue in Mexico.
Alabama’s favorite
Barbecue food is available at 8.27% of restaurants in the State of Alabama.
Why We Love National BBQ Day
It celebrates delicious BBQ food
You have to admit it, barbecue food is delicious. Who doesn’t love an excuse to get their hands on tangy grilled meat?
Grilled food is healthy
Since grilled food uses less oil, it is considered to be much healthier. This is why barbecue food is perfect for people who are watching their weight. Try to avoid the sauces, though, since some of them are very high in calories.
Barbecues are social events
Why eat alone when you can hang out with close friends at a barbecue? The social activity is a favorite of many families since children and adults can both enjoy the event.
