Summer Festival and BBQ Competition

Friday, Jul 18, 2025 at 10:00am

Downtown Dowagiac, MI

Downtown Dowagiac is heating up!  The third annual barbecue competition, featuring an amatuer division sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, will be held during the annual Summer Festival.  This family-friendly celebration brings the community together with live music, dance performances, interactive children's entertainment, games, and food trucks.

Stroll through downtown to explore summer sales at local specialty shops, discover artisan booths, and connect with community organizations and commercial vendors.  Plus, Southwestern Michigan College’s annual Steve’s Run kicks off Friday evening, right in the heart of downtown.

Don’t miss this exciting weekend of fun, food, and festivities! 

Schedule of Events

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Vendor Load-In
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM - Street Vendors Open (Front Street)
5:30 PM - Steve’s Run (Begins & ends at Front/Beeson)
Steve’s Run, sponsored by SMC, will take place at 5:30 PM down the center of Front Street. We encourage vendors to remain open until 7:00 PM to accommodate runners and their families.

BBQ Competition Team Schedule

Optional load in 1:00 pm - 9pm

Click here for BBQ Registration


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