Greenwood Serves Up Smokin’ Good Time at
Que on the Yazoo
Every spring, the rich aroma of slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and Southern spices drift over the banks of the Yazoo River, calling food lovers, families and music fans to downtown Greenwood for one of Mississippi’s most mouthwatering traditions: Que on the Yazoo. This year’s (2025) “Que” as everyone calls it, was no exception.
Set against the picturesque riverfront and surrounded by the charm of historic downtown, this two-day barbecue festival is more than just a cooking competition. It’s a celebration of Southern hospitality, local flavor and unforgettable fun. Despite a few rain showers this year, the 2025 edition delivered another incredible weekend packed with championship BBQ, toe-tapping music and lively family-friendly activities.
With barbecue teams traveling in from across the region, the festival hosted both amateur and professional cook-offs sanctioned by the prestigious Memphis Barbecue Network. From the tender perfection of whole hog and pulled pork to savory ribs and creative sauces, every bite was a testament to true Southern craftsmanship. This year’s professional Grand Champion was Poker Porkers from Bartlett, Tennessee. The team took home top honors and $2,000 in prize money for their stellar pulled pork and strong performance across multiple categories.
Local pride ran high as Greenwood’s own Limited Smokers captured the Amateur Patio Grand Champion award. They earned a $1,000 prize and a golden ticket to compete at the Delta State Pig Pickin’ contest this fall.
But Que on the Yazoo is about more than competition. It’s a true community festival. Visitors strolled the riverbank sampling entries in the People’s Choice tasting, shopped at downtown boutiques and enjoyed fair-style eats like chicken-on-a-stick, pizza and sweet funnel cakes. The “Anything But BBQ” contest added even more flavor with creative entries in catfish, cocktails, pork belly and more.
When the skies cleared Saturday, the live music picked up again, filling the air with the sounds of local talent like Stud Ford and Will Coppage and the crowd-favorite Frank “Guitarman” Rimmer Band. Their Delta blues hits brought people to their feet, dancing in the sunshine on the river’s edge. It was a perfect snapshot of Greenwood’s soul.
“This event is like building a beautiful puzzle,” said Liz Liddell, Executive Director of Main Street Greenwood and event coordinator. “By festival weekend, everything comes together to create something vibrant and unforgettable. It’s more than a party. It’s a moment of joy that connects our community and welcomes visitors from all over.”
Que on the Yazoo continues to shine as one of Mississippi’s can’t-miss spring events. Whether you’re here for the BBQ, the music, the riverfront vibes or the community spirit, one thing is certain, there’s no place quite like Greenwood.
Mark your calendar for next year’s Que on the Yazoo on May 1-2 and come hungry for more!