Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin' Hot BBQ Challenge 2026

Nisswa ushers in fall with the 51st Annual Nisswa Fall Festival on Saturday, September 19. The 21st annual Smokin' Hot BBQ Challenge is also part of this annual fall tradition. Start your day with breakfast hosted by A & W on behalf of the Nisswa Fire Department. You can compete in the bean bag tournament, bocce tournament, head to Pioneer Village for KIDZONE, Fall Artisan & Crafters Market, music and more activities and memory making. 

The tantalizing smell of barbecued ribs wafts throughout the town as teams compete in the Smokin' Hot BBQ Challenge. After ribs are judged, the public gets its chance to taste the creations. Live music throughout the day continues into the night with a live outdoor concert!