Become an Exhibitor

Bernard Blues and BBQ is a two-day festival attracting more than 25,000 visitors to the scenic campus of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School. Located adjacent to the school is the world-famous Ave Maria Grotto. The picturesque landscape of stone-cut buildings on the grounds of Alabama’s only Abbey provides a stunning backdrop for this outdoor show.

Booths will feature local vendors, artisans, and musicians showcasing their talents, with a special emphasis on blues music and mouth-watering BBQ. The festival also includes a KCBS Backyard BBQ Cookoff, where talented pitmasters compete for top honors and cash prizes totaling over $12,000. The festival is a major fundraiser for the operation and maintenance of Saint Bernard Preparatory School.

Special discounted rates are offered for the weekend to visit Ave Maria Grotto. Completing the weekend is the give-away of cash prizes and other valuable awards.

Apply Online Now

Print Out an Application

FESTIVAL RULES AND INFORMATION

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Setup can begin on Friday, September 5th, 2025.
Booths must be set up and ready for business by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Media: No imports, commercial items or kits.
Displays: All tables must be covered uniformly to the ground. You must supply your own racks, tables, chairs, covers, etc. The coordinator holds the right to have any item or exhibit removed which is determined to be in bad taste or has not been previously approved.
Alcohol and Drugs: They will not be tolerated.
Pets: No pets allowed.
Problems: Bring all problems to the show director in the festival headquarters.
Parking: All motor homes, travel trailers, and vehicles larger than a standard van will be prohibited. Local campgrounds can accommodate weekend vendors. Vendors will be allowed to park standard vehicles and small trailers in school parking lot.
Fees: Return the form below with an entry fee of $200.00, two photos (one of work and one of booth display) and self-addressed stamped envelope. Checks should be made payable to St. Bernard Prep School.
Deadline: August 1, 2025. $25 late fee applies after August 1, 2025
Limited electricity is available. If you need electricity an additional charge of $25.00 will be added.
THE FESTIVAL IS OUTDOORS AND WILL BE HELD RAIN OR SHINE. FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE!
Spaces: All booths will be approximately 12' x 12'. If your booth doesn't fit into one space, we suggest that you consider purchasing two spaces.