National Barbecue Month

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Cooking
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every May
Holiday emoji:: 🍖

National Barbecue Month fires up throughout May, embracing the culinary art of smoking, roasting, and grilling. It’s the perfect time to gather friends and family, experiment with new recipes, and enjoy the delicious flavors that kick off summer. Fire up your grill, explore diverse techniques, and share your favorite dishes!

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected National Barbecue Month Deals

As National Barbecue Month ignites each May, retailers and food brands typically roll out sizzling promotions to celebrate the start of grilling season. Expect major discounts on grills and smokers from brands like Weber and Traeger. Grocery stores will feature sales on popular cuts of meat, marinades, and barbecue sauces from brands such as Sweet Baby Ray’s and Kraft. Appliance stores may offer special bundles on outdoor kitchen equipment, while specialty food retailers like Omaha Steaks will likely have deals on premium meats. Keep an eye out for charcoal and wood pellet sales from Kingsford and Pit Boss. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.

Platform Guide for National Barbecue Month

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalBarbecueMonth. Share quick recipe tutorials, grilling hacks, or ‘day in the life of a pitmaster’ content.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalBarbecueMonth. Post mouth-watering photos and short videos of your barbecue creations, from smoky ribs to vibrant sides.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalBarbecueMonth. Create polls asking about favorite barbecue styles or share tips for hosting the ultimate backyard cookout.

National Barbecue Month Hero

Arthur Bryant

Arthur Bryant (1921–1982) was a legendary American pitmaster and restaurateur, widely considered the 'King of Ribs' in Kansas City. His iconic restaurant, Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, became a mecca for barbecue lovers, attracting presidents, celebrities, and everyday diners. Bryant's unique slow-smoked meats and signature sweet and tangy sauce helped define the Kansas City barbecue style and cemented his legacy as a true pioneer of American barbecue culture.

National Barbecue Month timeline

1900s

United States embraced barbecuing

Barbecues become one of the main forms of public celebration — especially on July 4.

1756

The true meaning

Samuel Johnson's 1756 dictionary gave the following definition: "Barbecue — a hog dressed whole."

1526

"Barbecue" in print

Gonzalo Fernández De Oviedo y Valdés, a Spanish explorer, was the first to use the word "barbecoa" in print in Spain.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Barbecue Month

Local businesses can embrace National Barbecue Month by hosting tasting events or offering special barbecue-themed menus throughout May. Restaurants can feature a ‘BBQ Pitmaster Special’ each week, showcasing different regional styles. Butcher shops can provide grilling tips and offer discounts on specific cuts of meat, while hardware stores can run promotions on grilling accessories and outdoor cooking equipment. Consider partnering with a local charity for a ‘BBQ for a Cause’ event, donating a portion of sales to a community organization.

National Barbecue Month FAQs

When is National Barbecue Month?

In 2027, National Barbecue Month again takes place for the entire month of May. This annual observance marks the unofficial start of summer grilling season, inspiring delicious cookouts.

How many Americans barbecue?

Barbecuing remains a beloved American pastime, with surveys consistently showing that over 8 out of 10 households participate in grilling or smoking. This makes it one of the country’s most popular culinary activities.

What is the economic impact of barbecue?

The economic footprint of barbecue is substantial, encompassing everything from manufacturing outdoor cooking equipment to the sale of specialty meats and condiments. The market for barbecue-related products continues to grow, reflecting its enduring popularity.

What are the main styles of American barbecue?

The diverse landscape of American barbecue is defined by its regional variations. From the smoky briskets of Texas to the tangy pulled pork of the Carolinas and the saucy ribs of Kansas City, these styles showcase distinct preparations and flavor traditions.

National Barbecue Month Activities

Play tag
Barbecueing is an all-inclusive activity. Need a break? Just grab the nearest observer, tag out for a breather and take your turn making a dent in the dinner spread.
Try different dishes
The traditional food typically associated with barbecueing is meat, but feel free to experiment with an assortment of vegetables and even desserts. Fried pineapple? Yes please!
Ask about new recipes
Like any other cooking technique, everyone has their own unique style of barbecueing. Allow yourself to be open to new ideas and methods, and you will almost certainly stumble upon a new favorite dish.

5 Sizzling Facts About Barbecueing

Barbecueing can last a very, very long time
Depending on what is getting cooked, barbecuing times can vary a great deal. Some slow barbecuing techniques can take as many as 18 hours or longer.
Barbecues can be enormous
The longest barbecue measured 8,000 meters in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Philippines in 2014.
Barbecue style is regional
Barbecue varies by region, with the four main styles named after their place of origin: Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City, and Texas.
“Barbecue” applies to other foods
It doesn't just mean grilled meats. The term barbecue is also used to designate a flavor added to food items — think potato chips.
It can be "barbeque" or "barbecue"
There are few words in the English language that have more variations of spelling than barbecue. Some barbecue joints spell it with a French influence, as "barbeque." Technically speaking however, in English, it is officially spelled “barbecue”.

Why We Love National Barbecue Month

It makes cooking an event
Unlike inside parties, where you might hear “get out of my kitchen," barbecueing invites guests to participate in the cooking event. Onlookers gather to show their approval and admiration, and chefs get the pleasure of cooking with an audience.
Barbecuing has flair
Barbecueing flirts with each of the five senses — enticing hunger through seduction. Just thinking of the smell conjures up memories of the whole scene: the sun on your neck, classic rock in your ears, and delicious pulled pork on your taste buds.
It embraces the elements
While warm sun and a cool breeze are ideal conditions, barbecuing knows no limitations. No matter the weather, fire up the grill, and enjoy the great outdoors.