October brings smoky barbecue, country music and a busy downtown weekend as Kennesaw's Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival returns for two days on October 16 and 17, 2026.

The festival runs Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving visitors options for a shorter evening outing or a full day of activities.

Food is a major attraction, but this year's program also puts live performances and family experiences in the spotlight.

Country music takes center stage on Saturday at the United Bankshares Amphitheater at Depot Park.

Country duo Tigirlily Gold is scheduled to perform at 6 p.m., followed by headliner Chayce Beckham at 8 p.m.

Beckham, an American Idol winner known for his hit song 23, brings a nationally recognized name to the local celebration.

Tigirlily Gold, the sister duo recognized with an ACM award, adds another notable act to the evening lineup.

Friday's entertainment has a more hometown focus with Kennesaw's Got Country, a showcase designed to highlight local and regional musical talent.

That mix of neighborhood performers and touring artists gives the festival a different feel on each day.

Barbecue tasting is another Saturday highlight.

The returning BBQ Competition Tasting Experience is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. on October 17 and requires a ticket.

Participating cooking teams will offer samples that include barbecue, an Anything Peach creation and a Sweet Baby Ray's wing entry.

Visitors interested in the tasting should check ticket availability before making plans, since space is limited.

Outside the ticketed experience, the broader festival features vendors, exhibitors and barbecue teams, creating plenty to explore while moving between activities.

Families with children can look for the expanded Kids Zone, which includes interactive activities, a petting zoo and a Kids Market featuring products created by young entrepreneurs.

The Kids Zone is scheduled for Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those earlier Saturday hours may be particularly useful for families who prefer to visit before the evening concerts.

Visitors planning around several activities should allow extra time to walk between festival areas and browse food offerings.

Parking and transportation deserve a little advance planning, especially during Saturday's headline performances.

The city lists free parking throughout downtown Kennesaw and at Adams Park.

An ADA-accessible shuttle is also scheduled to run free of charge from Swift-Cantrell Park.

Shuttle service is listed for Friday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Using the shuttle may be a practical option for anyone who would rather avoid searching for a closer parking space.

With food, music and family activities spread across the weekend, the best visit depends on what matters most to your group.

Friday offers an evening festival atmosphere and a chance to hear community performers.

Saturday provides the longer schedule, the barbecue tasting opportunity and the headline country concert.

Before leaving home, confirm the latest event schedule, tasting tickets, vendor information and any weather-related updates through the official Pigs & Peaches festival website.

For questions, Kennesaw Parks and Recreation lists 770-422-9714 as a contact number.

Whether you come for smoked barbecue, live music or an outing with the kids, the festival offers a lively way to spend an October weekend close to home.