UK BBQ Events Calendar
The UK BBQ scene is growing fast, with more festivals, open days, community cookouts and live-fire events popping up across the country every year.
This calendar is my best shot at bringing everything together in one place. It’s a simple, community-driven guide to what’s happening, where it’s taking place and when you can get involved. There’s no brand bias or hidden agenda, just a shared love of good food, outdoor cooking and the people who make the UK BBQ scene what it is.
The focus here is on events that are open to the wider BBQ community. I won’t be listing every paid masterclass or private cooking course taking place around the UK, as there are simply too many to keep track of. Classes may still be included where they form part of a larger festival, open day or community event.
If you’re organising a BBQ event that fits the bill, send over the details. The aim is to make this the go-to calendar for anyone looking to discover new events, meet like-minded people and enjoy some proper smoke and fire.
State Fayre Festival 2027
State Fayre returns to Hylands Park in Chelmsford for three days of barbecue, live music and Americana-inspired festival culture. It’s a slightly different proposition from a traditional BBQ festival, combining the feel of an American state fair with a large-scale music weekender, but food cooked over fire remains a big part of the event’s identity. For anyone into BBQ, country music and camping festivals, this is shaping up to be an interesting weekend. Visitors can expect music spanning rock, country, folk and Americana, alongside barbecue food, bars and state fair-style entertainment. Camping and non-camping weekend tickets are available, with campervan passes and boutique camping upgrades for those looking to stay on site. The detailed 2027 music line-up and BBQ programme have not yet been announced, so individual pitmasters, food traders and demonstrations cannot currently be confirmed. However, after the event’s first year attracted more than 50,000 visitors, State Fayre looks set to remain one of the biggest events bringing live music and barbecue together in the UK.
