Hendersonville Pig Fest returns to Veterans Park for three days of wrestling, live music and barbecue Oct. 22-24, with proceeds going to three local charities.
The annual festival, presented by Gary Force Acura, opens Thursday, Oct. 22, with "Jeff Jarrett's All Star Super Slam." Professional Wrestling Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett, a Hendersonville resident, will celebrate 40 years in the business in what organizers call only his second hometown appearance. Hendersonville Parks Director Andy Gilley said Jarrett's involvement last year drew strong crowds and that the wrestler wanted to return.
Friday, Oct. 23, brings the Pig Fest Kickoff Concert, a special edition of the Hendersonville Hometown Jam powered by Raised Rowdy. Diamond Rio headlines, joined by Hendersonville's own Jesse Keith Whitley, Tim Watson, Eric Blakenship, DJ Cliffy D and newcomer Julianna Rankin.
Gilley said in the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce announcement that the city worked to assemble an all-local lineup. "These folks perform all over the place but call our city home, this is what the Hometown Jam was made for," he said.
Saturday, Oct. 24, is the main BBQ competition day. More than 50 cook teams will compete in five categories for $10,000 in prize money. The competition is free to the public. Gilley said the event has drawn teams from across the Southeast. Saturday also features live pig races, vendor booths, a Kids Zone with bounce houses, a cornhole tournament, a par-3 golf contest, food trucks and college football on a big screen.
Two additions are new for 2026: a pickleball tournament hosted by Dinkville, the first to be played on the city's new pickleball courts, and an art contest for Sumner County Schools students.
Pig Fest raised $74,000 for local charities and schools in 2025. Since its founding, the event has raised more than $350,000 for local causes, according to the Pig Fest website. This year's beneficiaries are Mary's Magical Place, Grace Place Ministries and Christmas 4 Kids.
Larry Phillips, Holiday Fest president, said the organization is honored to continue supporting the event and its charitable mission. More than 90 sponsors are backing this year's festival, Gilley said. Kenny Burd, owner of TN Pool Supply and EXS Group, is the Pitmaster Sponsor.
Tickets and full event details are available at pigfesttn.com.
Coming up in Hendersonville
- Oct. 22-24: Hendersonville Pig Fest, Veterans Park. Tickets at pigfesttn.com.
