2025 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Competitor’s Series)

Event Dates – October 10-11, 2025

This competition by be full.

It’s rare that whiskey-making takes a backseat to much of anything in Lynchburg, Tennessee. THE JACK is one exception. One weekend in October, barbecue competitors from across the country and world converge here to wield their grilling and smoking expertise in the final competition of the year.

Smell the sweet smoke and savor the flavors for yourself and JOIN US NEXT OCTOBER as we cook up a spectacular weekend of events.

FRIDAY – OCTOBER 10
10:00 a.m. “I Know Jack … about grillin’!” Contest begins – Jack Daniel’s Tent in Wiseman Park
11:00 a.m. “I Know Jack … about grillin’!” Judging Begins
4:45 p.m. Parade of Teams through Wiseman Park and the Lynchburg Town Square

SATURDAY – OCTOBER 11
10:00 a.m Live music: Big Smo – Lynchburg Town Square Gazebo
Judges Check-in – Jack Daniel’s Tent in Wiseman Park
Paul Jones Old Time Country Radio Show on WLIJ radio AM 1580 broadcast
Live – Lynchburg Town Square
Sign-up for Country Dog Contest – Tennis Courts in Wiseman Park

11:00 Live music: Caitlyn Wolavar – Lynchburg Town Square Gazebo
Judges’ Meeting – Jack Daniel’s Tent in Wiseman Park

11:30 JUDGING – “Jack Daniel’s Sauce” (Invitational Teams)
Country Dog Contest – Tennis Courts in Wiseman Park

12:00 p.m JUDGING – “Cook’s Choice” (Invitational U.S. Teams)
JUDGING – “Home Cookin’ from the Homeland” (Invitational International Teams)
Jack Daniel Barrelhouse Smokers – Whole Hog Cooking Demonstration (free samples)

12:30 JUDGING – Chicken (Invitational)
Live music: Jimmy and Joy – Lynchburg Town Square Gazebo

1:00 JUDGING – Pork Ribs (Invitational)
TN Meat Co. – Gator Cooking Demonstration (free samples)

1:30 JUDGING – Pork Shoulders/Butts (Invitational)
Kids Pedal Tractor Pull – Tennis Courts in Wiseman Park

2:00 JUDGING – Beef Brisket (Invitational)
Live music: 90 Proof Bluegrass Band – Lynchburg Town Square Gazebo

2:30 JUDGING – Desserts (Invitational)

2:45 Military Swear In – Duraflame Stage in Wiseman Park

3:00 Homemade Pie Auction – Duraflame Stage in Wiseman Park

5:00 AWARDS CEREMONY (Invitational) – Jack Daniel’s Tent