KENNESAW, Ga. (June 26, 2025) — The City of Kennesaw and Kennesaw Parks & Recreation are bringing big energy to the 2025 Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival with a weekend packed with country favorites. Grammy-nominated artist Mark Wills will headline Saturday, Aug. 16, with bold, authentic singer-songwriter HunterGirl opening the show. On Friday, Aug. 15, emerging country rocker George Pippen will open for chart-climbing performer Hayden Coffman.
This year, the festival moves from Adams Park to the United Bankshares Amphitheater at Depot Park, creating more space and an upgraded live music experience for attendees.
Mark Wills, a Grand Ole Opry member, rose to fame in the late 1990s with a string of Billboard-charting hits. Known for songs like “Jacob’s Ladder,” “I Do (Cherish You),” “Places I’ve Never Been,” “Don’t Laugh at Me” and “Wish You Were Here,” his RIAA Gold-certified hit “19 Somethin’” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He has also completed more than a dozen overseas tours to perform for U.S. troops.
HunterGirl, runner-up on Season 20 of “American Idol,” brings powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting to the stage. Her debut EP, Tennessee Girl, blends country grit and personal storytelling, reflecting both strength and vulnerability. The Winchester, Tenn., native has toured with Luke Bryan, Kane Brown and Lainey Wilson and recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
Hayden Coffman, a Knoxville, Tenn., native, continues to connect with audiences through his smooth vocals and modern country style. With momentum building on streaming platforms and a reputation for charismatic live shows, Coffman blends tradition with a fresh, current edge.
George Pippen, a country rock artist from Indiana, opens Friday’s show. His debut album, Growing Pains, draws from small-town roots and big-city dreams, delivering gritty, hook-driven storytelling. With a background in tour management and a voice full of heart, Pippen is quickly establishing himself on Nashville’s country scene.
New this year is the Tasting Experience, where attendees can sample signature bites from local restaurants on Saturday, Aug. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $21 and available at www.pigsandpeaches.com.
Now celebrating its 25th year, the Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival has become a signature summer tradition for food lovers, music fans and craft beer enthusiasts. With dozens of vendors, exhibitors and barbecue teams, the event delivers two full days of live entertainment, cool drinks and big flavor.
At the heart of the festival is a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition, officially recognized as part of the Georgia BBQ Championship series. Additional contests include the Backyard cook-off, the Anything Butt competition and the Peach Dessert challenge. More than $16,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.
The 2025 Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival is presented by Williams Elleby Howard & Easter.
For more information, visit www.pigsandpeaches.com or call Kennesaw Parks & Recreation at 770-422-9714.