Grill Contest Rivergaro

Ten Years of Taste on the Trebbia

The Grill Contest is the great street food and barbecue festival that enlivens the Trebbia Park in Rivergaro, in the province of Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, every spring. Born in 2016, it has grown to become one of the most popular gastronomic events in the Trebbia Valley, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the region and neighboring provinces. In 2026, the festival reaches its tenth edition with a slogan that summarizes its spirit: "Ten years on a slow burn".

Food Trucks and Barbecue Culture

The heart of the event is the over 40 food trucks from all over Italy, offering everything from the most creative street food to the great tradition of grilled meat. Barbecue is the common thread of the entire festival: grills, slow smoking, and regional specialties alternate along the riverbanks in an informal atmosphere suitable for all ages.

Live Music on Multiple Stages

Every evening, the Grill Contest transforms into a major music festival: over 50 artists perform on various stages with live concerts and DJ sets, ranging from hip-hop to singer-songwriters, from rock to funk. Music accompanies the evenings until late at night, making the event much more than just a food festival.

The KCBS Competition and the Fuori Grill Area

Among the new features for 2026, on Sunday, May 3rd, Rivergaro hosts the KCBS One Meat, an official competition of the international Kansas City Barbeque Society circuit where teams compete on a single preparation according to championship standards. The Fuori Grill area also debuts, dedicated to sports activities, relaxation, and offerings for families and children.

A Local Event

The Grill Contest is organized by the association Riverlife APS, which involves over 150 volunteers each year, with the support of the Municipality of Rivergaro. Admission is free, and the event continues even in case of rain thanks to covered areas, in one of the most suggestive natural settings in the province of Piacenza.