See who's attending this year's TMG Fest!
COMPETITORS
These are the pit masters and BBQ teams who put everything on the line for the title. Representing some of the best backyard smokers and competition BBQ outfits from across the country, our 15 competing teams will be firing up their rigs and serving samples straight to you. Cast your vote and help crown this year's TMG Fest champion.
MILLS GRILLZ BBQ
RUB MY RACK BBQ
JUST THE TIP BBQ
HALFBACK BBQ
CRANK MY HOG BBQ
BEN'S BACKDRAFT BBQ
COOKING DEMONSTRATORS
Learn from the best as our featured cooking demonstrators take to the stage to share their craft, techniques, and passion for outdoor cooking. From whole-hog traditions to modern fire cooking methods, these talented personalities — many of whom you may recognize from your favorite social media feeds — are here to inspire, educate, and entertain throughout the day.
TIM CLOWERS
@COOKITWITHTIM
JOEY DIAPICE
@BBQFRIEND
MARCUS STOKELY
@WELLS_STATION_BBQ
JARED BABB
@BABBASSSBBQ
NEAL WILLIAMS
@THE_FLAT_TOP_KING
ERIC PICKLE
@SMOKEDPICKLEBARBECUE
JEREMY WHITELAW
@THEKITCHENWHITELAW
SPONSORS
TMG Fest wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors. These businesses and organizations believe in the power of bringing people together around good food, great music, and community, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership. Please take a moment to show them your support — they're the reason this festival keeps the fire burning.
Founded right here in Knoxville in 1972, A&B has been supplying the food service industry for over 50 years, making them one of Tennessee's most trusted names in food distribution. As a family-owned and operated business, they serve as the leading gourmet food distributor for East and Middle Tennessee, working with restaurants, cafes, hotels, resorts, and food service operations across the region. When it comes to putting on a festival centered around incredible food, having A&B in our corner means we've got the best in the business behind us.
Solo Stove is renowned for its innovative smokeless fire pits, camp stoves, and grills, engineered to bring people together outdoors while minimizing smoke and maximizing enjoyment. Their ever-growing lineup now includes chef-grade griddles, award-winning pizza ovens, and their most advanced smokeless fire pit series yet — making them one of the most exciting brands in the outdoor cooking world today. At a festival built around live fire and the love of cooking outdoors, Solo Stove is the perfect fit.
Clean-burning pecan shell products contain no blends, hardwoods, additives, fillers, or binders, and produce minimal ash. Pecan shells add a nutty, sweet, and smoky flavor to your favorite foods. Unlike other pellets on the market, Smokin' Pecan pellets are made from 100% pecans, are all-natural, easy to use, renewable, and sustainably sourced to make anything taste unbelievable. Upgrade your smokin' and grillin' game using Smokin' Pecan Products!
Baker Boy Pizza Company is one of Knoxville's favorite local pizza spots! Known for their fresh, New York-style craft pizza served in a friendly, casual atmosphere, Baker Boy has quickly become a staple of the local food scene. Their menu features handcrafted pizzas with classic favorites, signature creations, giant mozzarella sticks, wings, and craft soda — proof that great food and great community go hand in hand.
Born out of a simple but powerful idea, the Gather Grill is a 5-in-1 outdoor cooking system that functions as a grill, griddle, smoker, fire pit, and outdoor dining table all in one — built from 304 stainless steel and designed to bring people together around the fire. Their signature 360° rotating inner grate puts every inch of the cooking surface within arm's reach, so the chef never has to leave the table — because the best cookouts are the ones where everyone is part of the action.
The Good Charcoal's premium lump charcoal and Super Briquettes are made 100% chemical-free — no chemicals, no fillers — just pure, clean-burning hardwood charcoal available nationwide. But The Good Charcoal is about more than just great fuel. Through their Doin' Good Program, they partner with local communities across the country to sponsor free weekly BBQs for people experiencing food insecurity, having served more than 45,000 free meals. When a brand this committed to community and quality steps up to sponsor a BBQ festival, you know the fire is in good hands.
Based right here in Knoxville, WesTech is a trusted name in fabrication and construction, known for delivering high-quality craftsmanship and dependable results on projects of all sizes. It takes a village to put on an event like TMG Fest, and having a locally rooted company like WesTech behind us speaks volumes about the strength of the Knoxville business community. We're grateful for their support and proud to call them a partner — if you're looking for a fabrication and construction team you can count on, look no further than WesTech!
When you're out here enjoying great BBQ, live music, and good times with friends and family, the last thing you want to worry about is what's happening back home. Tri Star Security gives you that peace of mind with reliable, professional home security solutions designed to keep your home and loved ones protected around the clock. We're grateful for their support and proud to partner with a company that's committed to keeping our community safe.
More than just an energy drink, Tennergy is a movement built on energizing communities, uplifting culture, and giving back to Tennessee. What makes Tennergy truly special is their unique approach to supporting student-athletes — rather than simple sponsorships, they've brought University of Tennessee athletes on as actual shareholders, teaching them real-world business skills for life beyond sports. A brand rooted in Tennessee pride!
The Flat Top King is the go-to resource for griddle recipes, flat top grilling tips, and outdoor cooking tutorials. With over 20 years in the culinary industry — spanning fast food, fine dining, and preparing meals for thousands of sailors in the U.S. Navy — Neal brings a wealth of experience to every video and recipe he puts out. Based right here in Knoxville, The Flat Top King YouTube channel is home to easy-to-follow griddle recipes, cooking tips, and gear reviews that have built a massive and loyal following of outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
TMG Fest wouldn't exist without the passion and craftsmanship of our title sponsor, TMG Pits — the Knoxville-based custom pit building company that started it all. With a mission to provide high-quality, custom-designed pits that enhance the outdoor cooking experience, TMG Pits' team of skilled metalworkers takes pride in creating unique and durable cookers built to last. From backyard smokers and live fire grills to massive tank offsets and fully custom builds, every pit that rolls out of their shop is a testament to unmatched attention to detail and a deep love for the craft of BBQ.