Get ready for one of the best events of the year! The Bluegrass & BBQ Festival is back at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. This event was named the Bluegrass Event of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. It features great live bluegrass music and delicious BBQ. Mark your calendars for May. The festival will take place from May 14 to May 26, 2025.
What is Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival in Branson?
During the festival, you will see live shows by talented bluegrass bands across Silver Dollar City. This includes the Queen of bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent. Many stages in the park will host music from both famous artists and upcoming stars.
Some famous bands you can expect to see are Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers and The Po Ramblin’ Boys. But there are more than just these groups. Many other acts will perform on several stages.
- At the Opera House, you can see Rhonda Vincent & The Rage from May 24 to May 26. You can also catch Authentic Unlimited (May 14-15), Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (May 16-17), Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (May 18-19), Nothin’ Fancy (May 21-22), and Becky Buller & Ned Luberecki (May 23).
- The Riverfront Playhouse stage will feature The Kody Norris Show (May 14-15), Amanda Cook Band (May 16-17), Chris Jones & The Night Drivers (May 18-19), The Little Roy & Lizzy Show (May 21-22), Kim Fox Band (May 23-24), and Appalachian Smoke (May 25-26).
Youth in Bluegrass Showcase
A special part of the festival is the Youth in Bluegrass Showcase. This event highlights young musicians, ages 21 and under. They have great skills and a true love for music. It’s a feel-good moment that shows the future of bluegrass music is bright.
Most of the seats for these shows come with your park ticket. You get a seat on a first-come basis. The number of people waiting in line for a show can change depending on how busy the park is. If you want to guarantee a seat without waiting in line, you can buy a “Show Lovers” seat. It costs $15 plus tax for each person, for each show. There is also a $1 fee for buying each Show Lovers seat.
Savor the Flavors at Silver Dollar City Bluegrass and BBQ Festival
The music warms your heart, and the amazing BBQ will surely satisfy your hunger. Just follow the tasty smoky smell to the House of BBQ. Here, skilled cooks are busy slowly smoking different kinds of meats.
You can find tasty dishes like brisket that “melts in your mouth,” ribs with special sauces, and pulled pork stacked high on fresh buns. Also, don’t miss the classic sides that go well with BBQ. These include mac & cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread, plus sweet dessert options. The House of BBQ features popular tastes from different places, such as Memphis dry ribs and smoky Texas-style flavors. The menu is full of tasty barbecue flavor items.
- BBQ Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Smoked Chicken at Silver Dollar City
- Ribs Galore
- BBQ Potato or Nachos
- Wild Corn
- Desserts in Mason Jars
Whether you enjoy your BBQ sweet, spicy, or smoky, there are flavors for everyone. If you like to try different types of food, the Tasting Passport is a great way to experience a little of everything.
Beyond the Festival: Park Thrills and Ozark Craftsmen
The Silver Dollar City Bluegrass and BBQ Festival adds more fun to what the United States’ #1 Theme Park provides. Here, you can feel the excitement with rides for everyone, including many roller coasters. You can also explore shops from the 1880s, watch Ozark craftsmen show their skills, and enjoy several family-friendly events. Additionally, Marvel Cave offers beauty and adventure for all visitors.
Rides for every member of the family
Silver Dollar City has many rides that offer different levels of fun. There’s something for everyone in the family, including special areas with rides for kids. You can enjoy interactive dark rides like Flooded Mine, which is calm and lets you shoot at targets. A beginner coaster called Fire in the Hole is story-focused. Other rides give you unique experiences, like the stomach drop on Firefall or the weightless feel on the Giant Barn Swing. You can also try top rides like Wildfire, Powder Keg, Time Traveler, and the thrilling Outlaw Run, known for its great “air time.” Mystic River Falls is often seen as the best family ride in the park. It’s a fantastic water ride where you can cool off. Planning your visit to the festival is a good idea.
To visit the Silver Dollar City Bluegrass and BBQ Festival in Branson, you will need a Silver Dollar City admission pass. Click here for Silver Dollar City schedule and pricing.
