Friday, August 18, 6 PM - 10 PM
Saturday, August 19, 10 AM - 10 PM
Adams Park, 2600 Park Drive
From its humble beginnings, Pigs & Peaches has grown into one of the region's most beloved festivals attracting an estimated 60,000 attendees annually.
Its roots trace back to the historic train Depot in downtown Kennesaw where in 2000, the City of Kennesaw's Parks & Recreation Department held a blues concert and barbeque cook-off for a handful of amateur grillers.
The backyard-only tradition continued until 2007 when organizers chose to elevate the experience for competitive cook teams by sanctioning the event.
In 2008, to make room for more cook teams and a few vendors eager to be part of the festivities, the event was moved to its current location at Adams Park.
Now in its 22nd year, the festival features two days of non-stop music, good eats, cold beer and interactive family-fun.
Thank you, sponsors!
Parking
North Kennesaw Area:
The shuttle on this route has a lift to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
• Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old 41 Hwy. - Shuttle picks up & drops off near the main plaza by the roundabout. (1.2 miles away).
• Kennesaw Elementary School, 3155 Jiles Rd. - Shuttle picks up & drops off near the main portico (1.1 miles away).
Downtown Kennesaw Area:
• Kennesaw First Baptist Church, 2958 North Main St. - Shuttle picks up & drops off at the front church parking lot (0.3 miles away).
• Commemorative Park (intersection of Main street and Cherokee Street) - Shuttle picks up and drops off at parallel marked spaces (0.2 miles away).
• The following locations are close to this pick up:
• Along Lewis St., between N. Main St. and Dallas St. (0.3 miles away)
• Lot at the intersection of N. Main St. and Moon Station Rd. (0.4 miles away)
• Surface Parking behind Revival on Main (0.2 miles away)
Shuttle service will be available on Friday, August 18 from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and on Saturday, August 19 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Shuttles will depart from each location approximately every 20-25 minutes.
Handicap Parking
pro/backyard contests
The Professional Contest is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned contest and Georgia State Championship event. Cook teams must compete in the four KCBS meat categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef brisket. Total prize money: $10,000
One Grand Champion:
$2,500 cash + artisan trophy
One Grand Reserve Champion:
$1,500 cash + artisan trophy
1st Place in each category:
$500 cash + artisan trophy
2nd Place in each category:
$400 cash + artisan trophy
3rd Place in each category:
$300 cash + artisan trophy
4th Place in each category:
$200 cash + artisan trophy
5th Place in each category:
$100 cash + artisan trophy
Backyard BBQ Contest
The Backyard BBQ Contest is an amateur cook-off for individuals or teams, families, corporate teams or whoever – strictly for fun and BBQ braggin' rights. Cook teams must compete in three meat categories: chicken, pork ribs and pork. Total prize money: $1,550
One Grand Prize:
$500 cash + artisan trophy
1st Place in each category
$200 cash + artisan trophy
2nd Place in each category:
$100 cash + artisan trophy
3rd Place in each category:
$50 cash + artisan trophy
ANCILLARY CONTESTS*
This is your chance to show off your cooking creativity. Contest organizers will provide each cook team with one meat item. Cook teams may add any ingredient(s) to create the most delicious of dishes, such as a stew, soup, main course or side dish. KCBS garnish and sauce rules do not apply.
Winner:
$200 cash + artisan trophy
Runner-up:
$100 cash + artisan trophy
Peach Dessert Contest
Creativity is in order for this contest. Simply put, each cook team's recipe must include peaches.
Winner:
$200 cash + artisan trophy
Runner-up:
$100 cash + artisan trophy
*Ancillary contests are only available to cook teams in the Professional Contest or Backyard BBQ Contest.
BBQ Judges
Thank you for your interest in becoming a competition judge at the 2023 Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival! Every year we receive numerous applications. Please be patient with us as we try to respond to each and every one.
If you've already been confirmed as a judge, and have questions, please email the Judging Coordinator.
Entry forms
& docs
& docs
Professional Contest
Entry Form
Layout of Proposed Cooking Space (required to submit)
Cook Teams Info (required reading)
KCBS Rules & Regulations (required reading)
Backyard BBQ Contest
Entry Form
Cook Teams Info (required reading)
KCBS Rules & Regulations (required reading)
Past Grand Champions
2022 - Yes, Dear BBQ
2021 - Angry Jack BBQ
2019 - Quenut BBQ
2018 - Swine Dining GA
2017 - The Bald Hawg BBQ
2016 - Moyers Competition Bar-B-Q
2015 - Swine & Shine BBQ
2014 - Moyers Competition Bar-B-Q
2013 - Southern Thunder BBQ
2012 - Que'n Stew'n & Brew'n
2011 - Blue Sky BBQ
2010 - The Right Stuff BBQ
2009 - Chatham Artillary BBQ
2008 - Bill & The Dixie Chicks BBQ
2007 - Jack's Old South BBQ
View contest results from 2022:
Professional Contest
Backyard BBQ Contest
Anything Butt Contest
Peach Dessert Contest
6:30 - 8:00 PM: George Shingleton
Generations of Shingleton men have played an amalgam of bluegrass and the Appalachian "hill country" music familiar in their area of rural West Virginia, but George Shingleton was the first to make the move from the local church choir to Nashville. Despite a childhood spent with music at the forefront, however, he didn't seriously begin writing songs until he was an adult. Shingleton's second full-length album, 2020's Out All Nighter, proved him "a skilled song craftsman and a talented vocalist... straddling the line between outlaw country and southern rock in his own original style" (Glide Magazine), and his Shot or Two EP, released in January 2023, paired him once again with dear friend Dave Pahanish as his producer. Shingleton is working on more new material, to be released later this year, and is committed to maintaining authenticity and integrity within his stories and sound -- a move that has, throughout his career, garnered him the respect of artists such as Bucky Covington, Charlie Daniels, John Michael Montgomery, Darryl Worley, and others who have invited Shingleton to share the stage.
8:30 - 10:00 PM: Allie Colleen
Allie Colleen is an Artist, singer and songwriter who stretches the boundaries of music genres with her music style that defines how life shaped her, alongside the personal lyrics and transparency in both her vocals and performance. She released her well-received debut album, Stones in 2021. A passion for singing and songwriting since a young age has garnered her a reputation of being a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding voice. An impeccably strong voice with hints of timeless tradition falls between classic country and the emerging country sound. The room never fails to silence as Allie Colleen begins to sing about the layers of love and heartbreak that have shaped her. Some of her newest songs bring witty lyrics and a connection to the song, unlike most today. Allie Colleen is no stranger to the music industry and is a Belmont University graduate from Owasso, Oklahoma with a style that is truly her own. One of her original songs, “Close Enough,” gained nearly more than 715k views on YouTube while attending college and her social media following has continued to increase every year. Her passionate drive and innovative vision set her apart from her peers resulting in her music and videos going viral on the internet, even capturing the attention of media attention and proving that her audience is captive and waiting for her next song. Persistently working to hone her skills alongside industry professionals and performing at venues both around Nashville and touring on the road to national and international venues garners Allie Colleen a growing fan base. Her debut album Stones was released Nov 26, 2021, with a digital release celebration and a Freak Show take-over at The Local in Nashville. The performance live stream of the show had over 21K viewers on release day, the album and 97.3K combined streams on Spotify. With more than 351,000 followers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tik Tok combined, she is one of the most powerful and popular female independent label acts on a trajectory to stardom.
Saturday, August 19
10:00 - 11:00 AM: Jayna Jennings
Only 2% of the population are redheads and Jayna Jennings, award-winning artist on the rise, makes music as unique as her fiery hair. She pulls you into her world with her emotive songwriting, a craft she has been honing for the past decade. Her newest album, Southern Gothic Romance, is set to release this year, and showcases her most honest and vibrant storytelling yet, cementing her as a true Nashville songwriter and a force to be reckoned with in country and folk. Her first release offered her first glimpse at national recognition when all eight songs from her first album received worldwide radio airplay. She has earned over 25 nominations for prestigious awards and has received the honor of Folk/Americana Vocalist of the Year three years in a row at the Josie Music Awards, the world’s largest independent music awards show in Nashville, TN taking place at the Grand Ole Opry.
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Abbey Cone
Country singer/songwriter Abbey Cone made her way from Texas to Nashville at age 16. By her early twenties, she was co-writing with some of the city's best-known songwriters and garnered national exposure in 2021 with her emotionally resonant debut single, "Rhinestone Ring." With an induction into CMT's Next Women of Country Class of 2020 and named one of Pandora's 10 Country Artists To Watch in 2022, the 24-year-old has already made her mark. Her recent singles include "Hate Me" and "King of the World," both of which appeared on her first EP, 2022's Hate Me. Abbey has toured with Brittney Spencer, Abby Anderson, CMT Next Women Of Country Tour with Maddie & Tae and Sacha, and more, and is set to play CMA Fest and Stagecoach in 2023.
2:30 - 4:00 PM: Paul Hand Band
The Paul Hand Band is a live rock & pop group. Their music consists of 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s cover songs, something for everyone. Paul Hand is the leader and originator of the band and has been performing in the metro Atlanta area for over 20 years. Paul entertains with his rockin, vocals, guitar and piano. Backing Paul up is, Nick Atenhan on lead and rhythm guitar, Blake Atenhan on drums and Alex Joseph on bass. You will also find Ashely Henderson’s vocal contribution from time to time allowing the band to cover just about anything, making The Paul Hand Band a must see.
6:00 - 7:30 PM: Charly Reynolds
Charly Reynolds, a charismatic 23-year-old singer-songwriter born and raised in the sunshine state of Florida, is making her place in country music. In her reflective and emotional single "Flowers," slated for release on April 14, Reynolds narrates a path almost every woman has traveled, unknowingly falling into the first baby step of realizing leaving is where she needs to be. She may not be strong enough to walk away, but she's starting to be strong enough to realize she should. This single will be part of the six songs featured on Reynolds' debut EP coming out in early summer. This new music follows her most vulnerable and personal songs to date "Out of My Hands," and "One Day at a Time," that were released while she has been recovering from vocal surgery.
Reynolds' version of "Neon Moon" was featured in the Season 5 finale of FOX's provocative medical drama THE RESIDENT. Reynolds released her summer single "Rodeo," last summer amongst explosive social media growth and the single continues to grow. CMT.com premiered the light-hearted music video filmed at Country Rebel Ranch out of Nashville.
Reynolds has performed with Maddie & Tae, Walker Hayes, Billy Dean and also alongside such artists as Brett Eldredge, Lainey Wilson, Elle King and others at Elevation Beaver Creek last October. After the release of her single "Tonight in Texas." In the fall of 2022, Reynolds signed an exclusive worldwide booking deal with Wasserman Music. For more information about Charly Reynolds, follow her on socials at @CharlyReynoldsMusic.
8:00 - 9:30 PM: Drake Milligan
Raised in Texas, Drake Milligan took his smooth baritone
and burgeoning songcraft to Nashville at the age of 19.
Now 24, Milligan is making a name for himself in country
music.
His debut album Dallas/Fort Worth, named after the young
Texan's hometown, released in September 2022 and
claimed the No. 5 spot on Billboard's Emerging Artist
chart. His song Sounds Like Something I'd Do broke into
Country radio's Top 40 and hit # 1 on the iTunes Country
Single Chart. The record finds a next-generation
traditionalist mixing timeless sounds and right-now energy.
Family Stage
Performances will be scheduled on Friday, August 18 between 6:00 and 8:30 PM, and Saturday, August 19 between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Groups may request one or two 30 minute time slots (total time on stage not to exceed 60 minutes); and will NOT be paid for performances. A PA system with sound tech (and lighting for evening performances) will be provided.
Performances must be family oriented; equivalent to G Rating for public performance (no content that could be considered obscene, crude, vulgar, inappropriate, unsuitable or offensive).
Applications will generally be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, however the City of Kennesaw reserves the right to refuse any application for any reason.
About the application:
• Application Process: Before you apply, you'll be required to create your own account with your basic information, if you have not already created one. You will be notified of acceptance within two weeks of the application deadline.
• SPACE DETAILS: All spaces are outdoor and approximately 10’ deep and 10’ wide. Most spaces are on asphalt, a few are on grass. You must furnish your own tent, table and chairs.
• FEES AND PAYMENT: Booth fees are dependent upon the size of your setup and are listed within the application. Fees will be charged to your account after you are accepted and will be due no later than Friday, June 30th. Fees are non-refundable after Friday, July 28th.
• Have more questions? Please read the vendor application for other requirements and vendor packet for event details.
About the festival:
• Submission of a Vendor Application does not guarantee festival participation. Vendors will receive confirmation of acceptance via e-mail.
• Festival organizers reserve the right to refuse any application for any reason and reserve the right to limit the number of vendors selling similar items or services.
• The festival is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather, due to the forecast of inclement weather, or due to circumstances beyond our control.
• Booths must be operated both days of the festival: Friday from 6:00 -10:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM.
• Vendors will be pre-assigned booth locations, site access and set-up times.
• Vendors will not be able to tear down prior to festival closing times. Exit times and instructions will be assigned.
• Vendors may only sell what festival organizers have approved in advance.
• All merchandise and signage must be contained within, or attached to, your booth space.
• No electrical upgrades will be performed onsite.
• Vendors are responsible for cleanup of their booth space and removal of trash during and after the festival.
• Limited overnight security patrol will be provided by the Kennesaw Police Department, however the City of Kennesaw will not be held responsible for lost, stolen or damaged merchandise. Vendors who choose to leave items overnight do so at their own risk.
• Vendors will be expected to comply with all rules and procedures provided by festival organizers.
Sponsors
The City of Kennesaw's Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival would not be possible without the support of businesses and organizations.
For more information on Sponsorship, please contact Mara Clauson.
mclauson@kennesaw-ga.gov | 770-422-9714
Volunteers
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation seeks willing hearts and helping hands to assist with the pre, post, and during festival activities.
We invite you to explore our list of volunteer opportunities and sign up for a volunteer shift on our registration website. Please select “Special Events” and then “Volunteer Opportunities” to see a full list of volunteer opportunities for Pigs & Peaches
For questions, please e-mail our Partnership & Event Specialist.
Mara Clauson
(770) 422-9714
mclauson@kennesaw-ga.gov
Brittani Farmer
(770) 422-9714
bfarmer@kennesaw-ga.gov
Mailing/Street Address
City of Kennesaw
Parks & Recreation Department
2753 Watts Drive
Kennesaw, Georgia 30144
Tel: (770) 422-9714
Fax: (678) 460-3373
