14th Annual Bob Sykes BBQ & BLUES Festival April 26, 2025

14th Annual BBQ and Blues Festival poster.

Barbecue and Blues are a great combination, so don’t miss out on the 14th Annual Bob Sykes Bar B Q & Blues Festival.

GOOD TIMES & GREAT BBQ!

GET YOUR TICKETS!

Tickets

2025 Music Line-Up

11am Gates Open

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National Anthem by Emcee of Festival-Ms. Aretta Woodruff

12:00 PM -12:10 PM: Opening Prayer

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Kid Sly Feat with Elaine Hudson

12:10PM - 1:10 PM

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A woman in red dress and hat singing into microphone.

Kid Sly Feat with Elaine Hudson

12:10PM - 1:10 PM

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A group of men standing on top of a stage.

Ra’Shad the Blues Kid

1:20 PM-2:20 PM

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A woman singing into a microphone while standing next to another man.

Diedra the Alabama Blues Queen

2:30 PM -3:30 PM

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Southern Avenue

3:40 PM – 4:45 PM

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Shemekia Copeland

4:55 PM-6:00 PM

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Here are the details:

Gates open at 11am. Festival is 12-6pm.
Award winning national and local blues musicians performing on one stage
Enjoy legendary Bob Sykes Bar B Q
Located at DeBardeleben Park
1700 3rd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Bring a chair or blanket and set-up your spot for the day
Activities for the entire family for every age
Art and Vendor area
Sponsorship opportunities available for companies to engage face to face with their audience and represent their brand on the ground
Festival benefits local charity
8 and under are free with ticketed adult
General Admission tickets are $10.00 online or visit Bob Sykes Bar B Q Restaurant $15.00 day of festival
Food and drinks are sold separately
Beer and wine sold with proof of ID
No tents, pets, or coolers allowed

A man in a colorful shirt is singing on stage

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A group of people on stage singing and playing instruments.

A band performing on stage with one of them singing.

A man in a cowboy hat and sunglasses holding a guitar.

A band playing on stage at an outdoor event.

A woman in green and purple dress singing into a microphone.

A woman singing on stage with a microphone.

A man with his face covered in powdered sugar.

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A plate of food with meat, cheese and toppings.

A crowd of people sitting in chairs on the grass.

A woman with pink hair is posing for the camera.

A man holding a guitar in front of a wall.

A man with sunglasses on is playing an organ

A man playing an electric guitar on stage.

A man and his dog are sitting on the grass.

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A crowd of people standing around on the stage.

Testimonials

Loretta (Paparazzi jewelry)

"Thank you so much for the opportunity to set up a booth at the event! Hoping we get another opportunity again next year! Thanks again!"

Owner of Bright Star

“Great job!”

David Kovakis

“I can’t wait till next year. It has become a first class festival.”

SAFY Sponsor

“I honestly enjoyed myself. Can’t wait til next year!”

Pork Skin Vendor

“Thank you for having me it was awesome and I want to participate next year as well.”

"Best day of the Spring so far for me. We had a BLAST."

“We go to this festival every year and have always loved the talent and the food. This event improves the image of our city because the park is a perfect venue. Thanks Sykes family for sponsoring this every year. The bands seem like they get better every year. If we can get Mother Nature to behave like she did this year, there would be nothing to improve.”

“Good music! Good food! Just fun!”

“Always a fun family day! Great music, great food, great folks:)”

"Awesome music! Beautiful day in the neighbor hood! God bless the Festival this year!”

“This my 3rd year going to the festival! Every body come out for a great time! Van puts together a great blues line up and what can i say the BBQ speaks for itself!”

Eric Velasco

“That was a life-affirming day.”

Our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Official Sponsors

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Patron Sponsors

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Media Partners

Become a Sponsor!

Becoming a sponsor is a great way to engage face to face with your audience in Bessemer and the Birmingham, Alabama area.

The festival has been chosen for numerous years as one of the top food festivals in Alabama.

There is something to do for the entire family including a large kids corner with activities and games.

Besides great music, the festival offers a variety of booths including arts and crafts, outdoor exhibits, and a diverse selection of vendors selling tempting offers.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Learn More

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Festival Charity

The 2025 Bob Sykes BBQ and BLUES Festival charity beneficiary is Community FoodBank of Central Alabama.

The mission is to feed people in need today and foster collaborative solutions to end hunger tomorrow. We believe no one in Alabama should go hungry. We believe there is a solution to the problem of hunger in Alabama. For every person who is currently in need, there are even more people in Alabama willing and able to reach out with a helping hand.

Since 2010, the festival has provided funding for Alabama charities including Ady’s Army, The Bessemer Education Enhancement Foundation, Bessemer Service League, Caring Men and Caring Women, Children’s of Alabama, Clay House, Hands on Birmingham, Latch and Live Foundation, Red Mountain Grace.