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National Barbecue Day

Fire up the grill and get ready to celebrate National Barbecue Day! Delicious recipes, activities, and tips for a great BBQ await you!
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When it is?
May 16
Location Icon
Country
United States
Introduction

Get ready to fire up the grill and celebrate National Barbecue Day on May 16! This day has been celebrated for centuries, with some cultures even believing that barbecue is a sacred act. After all, nothing beats gathering around the grill with friends and family to enjoy delicious food cooked over an open flame. So grab your tongs and get ready for a truly memorable celebration of this age-old tradition.

History of National Barbecue Day

National Barbecue Day Dates

National Barbecue Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Barbecuing</div><div class='timeline-text'>Christopher Columbus introduced barbecuing to Europe after learning the practice from the Arawak people in the Caribbean.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>BBQ Starts in America</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the 18th century, barbecuing started in the United States, particularly among the colonists in Virginia and Carolina.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Commercial Grill</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first commercial charcoal grill, "Brazier" was introduced by inventor and founder of Weber-Stephen Products Co, George Stephen.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Weber Kettle Grill Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Weber Kettle Grill, a popular backyard barbecue staple, is launched by George Stephen.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>BBQ Competitions Begin</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first barbecue competitions started in the United States, with the Kansas City Barbeque Society leading the way in organizing these events.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Barbecue Day Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Barbecue Day was celebrated in the United States, making it a yearly tradition every May 16th.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Barbecue Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a backyard barbecue</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your family and friends to join you for a fun afternoon of grilling all kinds of delicious food. Make sure to have plenty of sides and drinks on hand as well.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a local barbecue joint</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out your city's best barbecue restaurants and try something new. Whether you're looking for classic ribs or something more exotic, there's something for everyone.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a barbecue cookoff</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over for a friendly competition to see who can make the best burgers, ribs, chicken, and more. Set up a panel of judges or have guests vote for their favorite dishes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a barbecue party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together the perfect menu with burgers, hot dogs, steak, kabobs, and more. Have some fun decorations, music playing in the background, and don't forget to set up some lawn games.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a barbecue picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pack up your cooler with all your favorite barbecued dishes, head to the park or beach, and enjoy an outdoor meal with your friends and family.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Barbecue Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Barbecue is delicious</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's nothing quite like the smoky flavor of barbecue. Whether it's slow cooked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or smoked brisket, the barbecued meats are always tender and juicy. Plus, you can top them with a variety of sauces and rubs to really bring out the amazing flavors!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Barbecue brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Barbecuing is so much more than just cooking food - it's an experience that brings friends and family together. Sitting around the grill, sharing stories and laughing is one of life's greatest joys, and National Barbecue Day is a perfect way to spend quality time with those closest to you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Barbecue offers something for everyone</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No matter what your dietary preferences may be, there's sure to be something for everyone at a barbecue. Vegetarians can enjoy grilled vegetables or bean burgers, while meat eaters will love their choice of steaks, hot dogs and hamburgers. So why not celebrate National BBQ Day by gathering up all your friends and having a cookout? It's sure to be a feast for the senses!</p></div></div>

5 Scorching Facts for National Barbecue Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Barbecue Originates from the Caribbean</h3><p class='facts-content'>The word barbecue is derived from a Caribbean word 'barbacoa,' which refers to a method of slow-cooking meat over hot coals in the pit.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Barbecue Styles Vary by Region</h3><p class='facts-content'>In the U.S, style of barbecuing varies from region to region. For example,Texas is known for its beef barbecue served with a spicy tomato-based sauce, whereas North Carolina favors pork barbecue with vinegary sauce.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Different Grilling Techniques for Different BBQ Styles</h3><p class='facts-content'>Direct grilling involves placing food on the grate directly above the heat, while indirect grilling places food away from the heat, allowing it to cook slower and is used for bigger cuts of meat or whole poultry.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Longest Barbecue Marathon by an Individual is Over 80 Hours</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Guinness World Record for the longest barbecue marathon by an individual is held by Jan Greeff, who grilled for 80 hours and 30 minutes in Columbus, Ohio, in 2014.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Barbecuing is a Communal Activity in Many Cultures</h3><p class='facts-content'>From the South African 'braai' to the Argentinian 'asado', barbecuing is counted as a time of gathering and celebration in many different cultures around the world.</p></div></div>

National Barbecue Day FAQs

When is National Barbecue Day?

National Barbecue Day is celebrated on May 16 every year. In 2024 National Barbecue Day will occur on a Thursday.

National Barbecue Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

May 16

Tuesday

2024

May 16

Thursday

2025

May 16

Friday

2026

May 16

Saturday

2027

May 16

Sunday

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