Best Barbecue Festivals in the U.S.

Summer means many things in America: beaches, tan lines, convertibles, baseball, and swimming.

For those who love to eat, summer is the perfect time for some outdoor cooking. Barbecue festivals are in full swing during the fairer months. These events range from glorified backyard barbecues and block parties to full on affairs with numerous barbecue specialists and a panel of judges. The most important qualities a BBQ celebration or contest can have: ready access to plenty of good food and a fun atmosphere. Live music and carnival rides are also a plus.

Here are a few festivals worth seeing (and tasting).

1. Clovis Red Hot and Real Barbecue Championship in Clovis, California. This is arguably the finest barbecue event in California. It draws the best grillers and sauce-makers from around the state, and some from other parts of the country. While this means stiff competition for those vying for prizes, it brings great eating to visitors. There are four prizes, for chicken, pork, ribs, and brisket. That means plenty of edibles to choose from. There are other activities besides eating (though barbecue aficionados might not find time for anything else. In the past, balloon rides and a carnival have been part of the proceedings.

2. North Star Blues Festival and Barbecue Contest in DeForest, Wisconsin. Barbecued food and blues music have been mixed for as long as any living person can remember. This event is the official barbecue championship of Wisconsin and is judged by a panel approved by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (the foremost such group in the US). There are multiple regionally famous acts playing throughout the event, which is held at the Windsor Sports Commons. There is a laid back, park-like atmosphere with plenty of grassy spots to sit and enjoy the goings on. North Star feels more like a big outdoor barbecue than a major competition.

3. National Capital Barbecue in Washington D.C. The best barbecue experts in the nation descend upon the capital for one of the biggest barbecue events in the country. Though it is lacking the laid back vibe of #1 and #2 on our list, it makes up for that fact with great food, live music, and plenty of other attractions. There are three music stages with local blues and rock acts. The event is one of the most kid-friendly around. Team members from the NBA's Washington Wizards are on hand to sign autographs and shoot hoops with young fans on an outdoor basketball court. For older folks, there is the food, of course, but also barbecuing classes, sauces and cookbooks for sale. The event benefits the Boys and Girls Club of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

4. National BBQ Festival in Douglas, Georgia. Despite its title, this one is nowhere near the size of its D.C. cousin. The competitors come by invitation only, so attendees can be sure that they will be eating some of the best ribs and brisket around. This one is all about the meat. There are no distractions like at similar events. A large prize pool assures that each vendor will bring their A game to Douglas.

5. The Annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Part of this show is oriented towards industry insiders and those who make a living in the world of barbecue. But that doesn't mean it is completely a trade show. Consumers on the lookout for free samples of some of the best spicy and barbecued food in the Southwest can eat their fill here. There are, on average, 200 vendors. This means you can try everything from mainstream Southwestern fare to some of the more unique tastes and smells available.

6. Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival in Tryon, North Carolina. This is a huge event with diverse musical performances, plenty of barbecued foods, special celebrity guests, and a carnival with unlimited rides for children. The event routinely makes the list of top barbecue festivals nationwide. There are also fireworks shows at 10 P.M. every night, cooking classes, and a craft fair. Judging is by Kansas City Barbecue Society judges, ensuring that only high quality foods make it into the festival.

7. Kentucky Crossroads Harvest Festival in Springfield, Kentucky. This fall fest includes some of Kentucky's finest barbecue masters and chili makers. Contestants vie in three categories: chili, pork, and brisket. The event is a major one in the area and is known for its down-home vibe and friendly people. There is also a 5k run, contests open to all, and live music.

8. Barbecue in the Bluffs in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This one is friendly for people who want to try their hand in a BBQ contest. The vibe is laid back and anyone is able to join. Judging might be stiff, though, as nationally accredited judges will be on hand to dole out the hardware and prize money. The event is located in a park setting and the surrounding area of Council Bluffs is full of natural beauty. If you are looking for a good time, some good food, and an event without a lot of pretense, this is one of the better bets out there.

9. BBQ Ribfest in Forth Wayne, Indiana. This festival is as much about good times as it is about competitive barbecue cooking. This family friendly event runs four days and has an atmosphere similar to a large family picnic. There are plenty of choices when it comes to eating as well. Slow-smoked brisket and BBQ sandwiches join the usual fare of ribs and chicken. There are also plenty of baked goods on offer. And of course, there are plenty of blues bands. All this combines to make one of the largest and most anticipated events of the entire summer.

10. Hog Wild Festival and Barbecue Championship in Mobile, Alabama. One of Alabama's biggest events has something for everyone, except, maybe, hardcore vegetarians. The food is plentiful and some of the biggest and most famous barbecue masters from the South are on hand to do what they do best. The food is at the center of the event, but it is only the beginning of the story. There is a stage for blues and rockabilly musicians and another for children's performances. There are cooking classes and demonstrations from professional grillers. Add to that the fun and games. There are plenty of rides and activities for children and the unparalleled excitement of barrel racing.

11. Of course, Canada has its share of barbecue festivals as well. Barbecue on the Bow is a late summer affair in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is one of the biggest and best barbecue events north of the boarder. This family friendly fest is held within eyeshot the city and its beautiful lake at the Eau Claire Festival Market. The food and fixings are what you might expect from a quality BBQ fest. In addition, this event brings in local celeb cooks to share tips, tricks, and recipes with attendees. There is also a "General Store" with fresh produce and barbecue sauces from contest participants. All this in the vicinity of beautiful downtown Calgary.

These are just a few of the many barbecue fests in the North America. There are over 500 sanctioned "barbecue championships" and innumerable fests that are "just for the fun of it."