The Doc Holliday Festival and BBQ Competition is held in Griffin City Park annually the weekend following Labor Day, promising a day of entertainment for the whole family. This exciting event is not only free to attend, but also offers a glimpse into the past and present with a variety of activities and shows.
One of the highlights of the festival is the re-enactment group Aces and Eights, who will be performing three shows in the park depicting the famous shootout at the OK Corral. These shows, which run for approximately 30 minutes each, tell the story of the life of John Henry "Doc" Holliday, who was born in Griffin and had a dentistry practice on Solomon Street, making it a must-watch for history enthusiasts and fans of the Wild West.
Another major draw of the weekend is the barbecue competition, organized by the Georgia Barbecue Association, which is expected to have around 30 professional teams participating. The barbecue teams will be set up in the ball field inside Griffin City Park, and the general public will have the opportunity to purchase a sampler platter from twelve of the teams, known as the People's Choice. Not only will guests get to enjoy delicious barbecue, but they will also have the chance to vote for their favorite team, with a trophy awarded to the winner.
The Doc Holliday Festival is made possible through the collaborative efforts of local sponsors, featuring ACE Hardware as the Presenting Festival Sponsor. Local partners include Eagle's Way Church, the Griffin Downtown Council, the Chamber of Commerce, City of Griffin, Spalding County, and the Spalding Collaborative. A portion of the profits from the event will be donated to the Spalding Collaborative for Families and Children, making it not just a fun event, but also a way to support the local community.
The entire day’s events will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, although some bleacher seating will be provided in the park. With its combination of entertainment, delicious barbecue, and community support, the annual Doc Holliday Festival and BBQ Competition is a must-attend event for all ages. Don't miss out on this exciting day of festivities in Griffin City Park.
The story of noted western figure John Henry “Doc” Holliday finds its beginning in Griffin, Georgia. Considered by some as just another gambler and gunslinger, his life was, to put it simply, complicated.The Hollidays lived in Griffin the first 13 years of Doc’s life. They headed to Valdosta in 1864 in efforts to escape Sherman’s March to the Sea. Following his graduation from Dental School, Doc re turned to Griffin and established a dental practice downtown. However, his return did not last long as he soon headed west to Texas. While fact and fiction have blurred with time, we proudly recognize Griffin’s noble, native son. We invite you to celebrate John Henry “Doc” Holliday with us this September!
The GBA State BBQ Championship will be held in conjunction with the Doc Holliday Festival and will be held in Griffin City Park, the first weekend following Labor Day. Prepare your best pork loin, pulled pork, or pork rib for a chance to compete for a portion of the $13,000 total payout. Ancillary contests for brisket, wings, and desserts will also be held. Sign up early for registration discounts. The Doc Holliday BBQ Championship is a Georgia BBQ Association Sanctioned Event and GBA Double Points Championship PLUS GA State Brisket Championship.
Friday: Saturday:
8:00am Check In 7:00am Breakfast (Teams & Judges)
9:00am Meet Inspection 4:00pm Awards Ceremony (Tentative)
5:00pm GBA Cook Team Meeting
6:00pm welcome reception
11pm-7am Quiet Time
Become a part of the festivities for the Mid Georgia Doc Holliday Festival, one of the largest events happening in Historic Downtown Griffin, GA this fall. This will be a very fun event and an opportunity for you to showcase your business and/or products. Vendors may register to participate by completing the attached form. Please register prior to September 1st.
Vendor Application
Excellent sponsorship opportunities still available! If you’re interested in being a part of this event, download a copy of the sponsorship packet below and send us a message. We’d love to have you on board helping to make this historic event a success!
Sponsor Form
Let us know your thoughts, comments, suggestions or request information by filling out and submitting the contact form. We'd love to hear from you!
