15 of the Best BBQ Festivals Across the U.S.

Michelle Swift
Jul 20, 2014

If you’re on an eternal quest for the best ‘cue around (beyond what you’re grilling up in your backyard, of course), you’ve officially found it. We’re sending you on a trail of the hottest hog fests, best barbecue parties and smokiest battlefields that America has to offer. We’ve hooked you up with the best grills, BBQing gadgets and oodles of hot-hot-hot recipes, but now it’s time to watch and learn from the greats. National BBQ parties kick into high gear in May and sizzle along through October. Taste a slice of Americana and hit up these BBQ fests, offering great local food, showcasing smoky traditions and bringing together community. Smokin’.

1. International Bar-B-Q Fest (Owensboro, KY): Since 1979, the Owensboro riverfront has become a mecca for pitmasters everywhere. Local restaurants, grilling teams and “backyard bar-b-q chefs” (hey, that could be you!) gather to compete in The Backyard Cookoff and show off top secret barbecue recipes. Over 80,000 people will be able to sample their masterpieces. On top of eating world famous barbecue, festival goers can indulge in live music, arts and crafts, a car show and good Southern hospitality. (via What’s Up Owensboro)

2. Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Contest (Memphis, TN): If you happen to be in Memphis during the month of May, you are in for the party of a lifetime! That’s right, this festival kicks up its hooves and makes sure it’s filled with enough barbecue, revelry and fun to make anyone go hog wild. For those participating in the barbecue contest, it’s not taken lightly. These pitmasters sweat over hot grills and go all out to create clever and creative kitchens that double as party booths outfitted with disco balls, DJs and drinks. Don’t miss out on the famed Miss Piggie Idol; it’s sure to instigate a lot of squeals! (via Too Sauced to Pork)

3. Houston Livestock Show + Rodeo World’s Championship Barbecue (Houston, TX): In Texas, it’s all about pork ribs, beef brisket and chicken, all flavored with aromatic woods like hickory, mesquite, oak and the skills of fierce barbecue masters. So why the choco-dipped jalapeños? Before the bucking broncos take to the arena and rodeo competitors dust off their chaps, about 300 teams prep to heat up the heart of Texas with some mouthwatering barbecue and innovative treats to be crowned the most delicious in categories like Most Creative Food, Best Fried Food, Best Breakfast Food, Best Food-on-a-Stick, Best Dessert — do you think they need judges next year? (Photo via Chron)

4. Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Lynchburg, TN): Considered one of the most prestigious barbecue competitions in the world, smoke masters come to Jack Daniel’s Hollow to compete for $10,000, and it’s no walk in the park to get there. Culinary categories for the coveted title of Grand Champion include chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder, butts, beef brisket, dessert, Cook’s Choice and Jack Daniel’s sauce. 25,000 discerning fans from around the world gather to celebrate the tradition of barbecue and sample local yums from across the country. A full day of smoking, seasoning, searing and indulging in world-class barbecue is sure to satisfy your ‘cue cravings. (via Jack Daniel’s)

5. Big Apple Barbecue Block Party (New York, NY): Bring an empty stomach and a picnic blanket to celebrate some of America’s best culinary and musical traditions, right in the heart of the Big Apple. Madison Square is where you get a weekend’s worth of peace, love and barbecue, attracting some of the country’s top pitmasters and local NYC comfort food hotspots to dish out their award-winning barbecue. Take home more than a full tummy, and hit up the cooking stages and seminars to learn how to make Austin-inspired BBQ tacos and hearty summer salads. (photo via TimeOut)

6. The Barbecue Festival (Lexington, NC): North Carolina is known as the “cradle of ‘cue,” and Lexington is the barbecue capital of the world. No wonder this fest doesn’t need a catchy name, it’s simply the best barbecue you can get. The main street is closed off for over 400 exhibitors to showcase anything from arts and crafts to down-home cooking, six stages are set for entertainment, three main tents are chopping up barbecue, fixin’ slaw and frying up pigtail fries and the kids can get rowdy at the BBQ Carnival. Come see what the “cradle of the ‘cue” has to offer (including annual “pig-themed sand sculptures”) and you may never want to leave. (via The Barbecue Festival)

7. Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival (Myrtle Beach, SC): As the race to see who has the best food in the state heats up Labor Day weekend, be sure you hit the beach on an empty stomach. This two-day festival is filled with mouthwatering barbecue, live entertainment and a rousing cornhole match. (Time to start practicing in your backyard now, we reckon.) Competitors can showcase their smoking skills in the Barbecue Championship, Sauce Competition and Wing Competition. Even kids can compete in a junior competition. (via Think Myrtle Beach)

8. Big Pig Jig (Vienna, GA): Welcome to Georgia’s oldest barbecue contest, packing a porky punch in down-home Vienna. The Big Pig Jig was born in 1982 when “a group of self-professed gourmets made wagers on who among them could cook the most succulent pig.” That year, only whole hogs were cooked and teams competed for $1,000 in prize money. Today, the Big Pig Jig is really getting piggy with it with over 400 entries of hogs, shoulders, ribs, barbecue sauce, barbecued chicken, $16,000 in prize money and over 10,000 festival goers… all in the name of pork! (via Hungry Passport)

9. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue (Kansas City, MO): This festival really knocks BBQ outta the park! The American Royal is an annual eight-week season of rodeo, livestock shows, agricultural activities and the world’s largest barbecue competition — with over 500 teams competing and 70,000 spectators. If you’re serious about ‘cue this prestigious world series is a championship you want to see. For those of you competing, may the smoke be ever in your favor, and for those who just want some good ‘cue, Kansas City is where it’s at! (Photo via The Cooking Channel)

10. Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival (On tour throughout the U.S.): At the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Fest, you’re invited to pick your pleasure, kick back and relax, ’cause this tour makes its rounds across the country. Admission buys you a glass so you can enjoy an all-you-can-taste sampling of over 60 beers and 40 bourbons, and don’t forget to wash it all down with some Southern-loving barbecue. Even learn some DIY butchering tips with classes from local masters o’ meat. (via Leigh Brown and Associates)

11. Cochon 555 (Kicking off in Chicago, IL): This annual touring event, focused on bringing heritage pigs to dinner tables across America, is true pig love. Cochon555 features five chefs, five pigs and five winemakers to promote sustainable farming of heritage breed pigs and whole animal utilization. This one-of-a-kind traveling competition is not to go untasted; eat good food, drink fine wine and get to know good swine in a sustainable way. (via The Village Voice)

12. Hogs for The Cause (New Orleans, LA): This re-creation of a traditional Southern pig roast invites prized pork gourmands and amateur BBQers and bakers (yes, those are pig macarons pictured above) to battle it out in categories such as Whole Hog, Porkpourri, Ribs, and Shoulder all for the sake of raising funds to support families and research for pediatric brain cancer. Louisiana’s Pork Champion is decided by festival goers who deposit donations into the piggy banks of their favorite team. Hogs for The Cause may put on the best cocktail and barbecue party in NOLA, but they are also a premier funding source for pediatric brain cancer and outreach services in the United States. (Photo via Nola.com)

13. Stumptown BBQ Smoke Off (Whitefish, MT): The great Smoke Off takes place under the stunning peaks of Glacier National Park in “big sky” country. Brought to barbecue lovers by Montana’s only authentic pit BBQ joint Piggyback BBQ, this festival is a pork-tastic time! Whether you’re competing or simply want to get your barbecue fix, Stumptown turns into the greatest smoketown two nights outta the year. (Photo via Piggyback BBQ)

14. Oinktoberfest (Clarence, NY): Just outside of Buffalo, you’ll find a festival that celebrates America’s traditions in barbecue. From the Carolina’s vinegar-based sauces to Texas’s beef brisket, Oinktoberfest has something for everyone to love. Competitors take on the following food categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork butt/shoulder and beef brisket to tally up their scores and determine the Grand Champion. New this year is a whole hog competition along with entertainment. In the great outdoors with great barbecue, this is one festival you can pig out at. (via Oinktoberfest)

15. Ohio Smoked Meat and BBQ Festival (Nelsonville, OH): For a dose of small-town Americana, get yourself to the Ohio Smoked Meat and BBQ Fest and sample some of the best chicken, ribs, pork and brisket in the Midwest. Competitors sling their meat for a chance to win over $10,000 in cash money. You could say the winner is really brining home the bacon.

‘Cue us in on your fave fests that pack a porky punch, in the comments below!

21 Most-Anticipated Summer Books We Can't Wait To Read In 2025

Summer is just around the corner, and that means laying by the beach or the pool and getting lost in a good book. To kick off beach read season, we’ve rounded up some of the most-anticipated books coming to shelves this summer. From enchanted star-crossed lovers, romantic summer flings, and thrilling forbidden loves, these books should definitely be packed in your suitcase for any and all of your summer vacation plans!

Here are all the new books we can't wait to read this summer!

Amazon

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria (May 27, 2025)

Ava Rodriguez is a divorced school teacher who meets the handsome Roman Vásquez, for a steamy one night stand – or at least what was intended to be a one night stand. But when Roman shows up as Ava’s cousin’s best man, things get complicated. Ava tries to hide her dirty little secret from her family, but Roman wants to be all-in. What started out as no strings attached has become much more complex.

Amazon

Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler (May 27, 2025)

Anna is beginning art school in New York and befriends Willow, a mysterious and moody art student who isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Five years later, Anna’s former muse Willow has turned into a shell of herself. When Anna tries to intervene in Willow’s life by staging a planned mugging, Willow goes missing on September 11th. Did Anna go too far, or did Willow play into Anna’s game all along? This thriller challenges the morality of revealing the truth when it may be better left unsaid.

Amazon

The Love Haters by Katherine Center (May 20, 2025)

Katie Vaughn’s career is sinking fast—so she takes a daring gig profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom "Hutch" Hutcheson. The problem? She can’t swim but pretends she can. Worse, Hutch is her coworker Cole’s estranged brother. In Key West, Katie gets caught in a whirlwind of secrets, swim lessons, and sizzling chemistry. With hurricanes, stolen kisses, and a chance to be truly brave, she must decide if facing her fears—including love—is worth the plunge.

Amazon

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Optimistic Alice Scott and Pulitzer-winning Hayden Anderson both land on Little Crescent Island to write the biography of reclusive heiress Margaret Ives. When Margaret offers a one-month trial, Alice is determined to win. She’s great with people, eager to impress her family, and, strangely, rattling Hayden. But Margaret shares only fragments of her story, and an NDA keeps Alice and Hayden from comparing notes. As tension rises and sparks fly, their own story—like Margaret’s—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad, depending on who tells it.

Amazon

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams (May 6, 2025)

Audre, the junior class president and debate team captain, is spending the summer before her senior year writing her self help book, AKA her one-way ticket to Stanford. Bash, a mysterious new senior who everybody is crushing on, is spending his summer helping Audre complete her five wild dares to write about in her book. The scorching hot-summer leads to crazy chemistry the two friends can’t deny. Will Audre be able to maintain the friendship, or will she begin to fall for Bash?

Amazon

Love On Tour by Lee Adams (June 17, 2025)

Music executive Christine Matthews lives a quiet life until a broken heel sends her tumbling in front of country star Austin Garrett’s tour bus. When Austin realizes she pitched him his latest hit, he invites her to be his date at the CMT Awards, catapulting her into the spotlight. Suddenly, she’s facing cyberbullying, unwanted attention, and growing feelings for Austin’s tour manager, Matt. As past trauma resurfaces and threats turn dangerous, Christine must decide if chasing success and love is worth the risk—or if walking away is the only way to protect her heart.

Amazon

It’s A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan (May 27, 2025)

Jane Jackson, a former child sitcom star, is determined to make it as a Hollywood executive. Her mantra: fake it till you make it. But when she takes it too far and claims she can get popstar Jack Quinlan—her first kiss—to write a song for her movie, she’s in trouble. Now, she must turn to her old crush and frustrating cinematographer Dan Finnegan for help. Can Jane juggle her past and career, or will her lie unravel? This novel is perfect for those looking to escape the summer heat with an enemies-to-lovers romcom.

Amazon

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3, 2025)

Joan Goodwin has been fascinated by space since childhood. When she gets the chance to join NASA’s first group of women scientists in the space shuttle program, she leaps at it. Training alongside a Top Gun pilot, a brilliant scientist, and a bold group of astronauts, Joan forms unexpected friendships and discovers a love she never imagined. As they prepare for their first mission, she begins to question her place in the universe—until one fateful moment changes everything.

Amazon

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (June 10, 2025)

Roman Carruthers returns home to find his father in a coma, his brother drowning in debt to criminals, and his sister struggling to hold their crematorium business together. When he tries to buy Dante’s way out, he learns the hard way that real gangsters don’t play fair. With no other options, Roman offers himself as collateral. As he’s pulled deeper into a dangerous game, Neveah searches for answers about their mother’s mysterious disappearance. But Roman isn’t as weak as they think—and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect his family.

Amazon

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda (July 29, 2025)

Beckett Bowery thought she had her future planned out: stay in Wyatt Valley, Virginia and study at Wyatt College, the college her parents taught at. But when a tragedy leaves two men dead and her roommate goes on the run, she vows to stay as far away as possible from Wyatt Valley. Later when her daughter Delilah receives a full ride scholarship to Wyatt College, she is forced to confront her lingering fears and the fact that her past isn’t the only dangerous thing in Wyatt Valley.

Amazon

The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett (May 6, 2025)

Thirty-seven years after the Republic fell, war rages between the five clans and the Kingsland. Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, saves lives—until she’s struck by a poisoned arrow from Kingsland assassin Tristan. Instead of letting her die, Tristan uses rare magic to save her, unknowingly binding them together. Their connection gives him access to her memories, the key to destroying her people. But Isadora can see into him too. To protect her clan, she must outmaneuver Tristan, and resist the dangerous pull between them, before he claims victory and her heart.

Amazon

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (June 17, 2025)

Joni Lark has a secret. She’s one of LA’s most coveted songwriters, but she can’t write anymore. Hoping to find inspiration, she returns home to Vienna Shores, North Carolina. But nothing is as she left it. Her best friend is distant, her mother’s memory is fading, and her family’s music venue is closing. Then Joni starts hearing a haunting melody and a stranger’s voice in her head. When the man behind the voice shows up in town, guarded and frustrating, they realize they must finish the song together or risk exposing their hearts and deepest secrets.

Amazon

No Man’s Ghost by Jason Powell (May 6, 2025)

Charles Davids is a rookie firefighter starting his first week with the FDNY, struggling to prove himself to his new team. The job is grueling, the training intense, and the pranks relentless—but the dangers are real. Across town, Alan Johnson, bitter and unhinged after being kicked out by his wife, begins reporting fake fires at her apartment every night. At first, it’s just a cruel joke. But soon, Alan wants more than revenge. As the calls escalate, Charles faces a trial by fire that could make or break him—and put lives on the line.

Amazon

Ride with Me by Simone Soltani (May 20, 2025)

After being left at the altar, Stella Baldwin dreads attending her cousin’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Formula 1 driver Thomas Maxwell-Brown is desperate for a break from his crumbling career and bad press. When a wild night ends with a ring on Stella’s finger and Thomas as her husband, they realize staying married might actually benefit them both. It’s impulsive, reckless, and maybe exactly what they need. Because sometimes, what happens in Vegas doesn’t need to stay there.

Amazon

Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld (July 8, 2025)

During her freshman year of college, April’s life changed overnight. After meeting up with her friend Rudy one evening, he was arrested, she was expelled, and her future fell apart. Months later, she met Peter, a young attorney who helped her rebuild everything. Fifteen years later, April has a happy life, three kids, and Peter is running for local office. But when Rudy is up for parole and April’s past makes headlines, it threatens everything she’s built. Now, she must decide whether to protect her family—or the man who once saved her.

Amazon

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (May 6, 2025)

Alice never expected to see Charlie Florek again. Years ago, she spent a magical summer at her grandmother Nan’s lake cottage, capturing a photo of three teens in a yellow boat that changed her life. Now a photographer who prefers life behind the lens, Alice returns to Barry’s Bay to care for Nan and find something she’s been missing. But when Charlie, now a charming and grown-up flirt, reappears, old feelings resurface. Long days on the water and stolen glances make Alice wonder if she’s finally ready to step into the frame or risk her heart again.

Amazon

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray (June 3, 2025)

Blaze’s birth unleashed a deadly storm that killed thousands, branding her an outcast and stealing her magic. Hidden ever since, she’s shocked when she and her twin brother are invited to compete for the empire’s throne. Suddenly thrust into the Golden Palace’s dangerous court, Blaze faces deadly rivals, forbidden love, and the possibility of reclaiming her lost power. Torn between a captivating Crown Prince and a darkly alluring stranger, Blaze must decide if she’s ready to step out of the shadows and claim a destiny no one ever believed she could have.

Amazon

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (July 15, 2025)

Sera Swan lost her magic, her status, and her place in the magical Guild after a spell gone wrong. Now she runs an enchanted inn with her resurrected great-aunt, a mischievous talking fox, and a houseful of quirky guests. When she discovers a spell that could restore her powers, she enlists the help of Luke Larsen, a reserved magical historian with no interest in her chaos—or her charm. But as they work together, unexpected sparks fly. Sera soon realizes that the magic she craves may not be as powerful as the family she’s built.

Amazon

Charity Trickett Is Not So Glamorous by Christine Stringer (June 10, 2025)

Charity Trickett arrives in Hollywood in 1997 determined to break into the movie industry. As an assistant to a blockbuster film director, she expects glitz and glamour but instead faces cutthroat coworkers, a failing love life, and a mistake that could cost the studio millions. Her bank account is running dry, and an FBI investigation threatens to derail her future entirely. With grit and heart, Charity must fight to keep her dream alive and avoid losing everything. Fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary will love this witty, behind-the-scenes Hollywood adventure.

Amazon

Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (May 13, 2025)

Hendrix Barry has built a life most people dream of. With a successful business, amazing friends, and a loving family, she has everything except time for love. Caring for an aging parent and staying focused on her goals leave little room for romance, and she’s never met a man who could keep up. Until Maverick Bell. The charming tech mogul sees her in a way no one has before, but he’s off-limits if she plans to stay on course. When Maverick refuses to walk away, Hendrix must decide if love is worth changing her plans.

Amazon

What’s Yours is Mine by Jennifer Jabaley (August 5, 2025)

Valerie Yarnell is a devoted single mother who has always supported her daughter Kate’s dream of dancing. But it stings when Kate idolizes her best friend Colette’s mother, Elise, a former prima ballerina married to the man Valerie secretly loves. When Kate outshines Colette at a major competition, tensions soar. Elise’s pressure on Colette intensifies, and the rivalry between mothers and daughters reaches a breaking point. Then a shocking attack shatters everything, exposing dark ambitions and unraveling secrets. Soon, both families will learn just how fierce and dangerous competition can be.

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4 Cringe-Worthy Lessons I Learned From Julia Roberts Rom-Coms

Julia Roberts has given us some of the most iconic rom-coms in pop culture history, from Valentine's Day and Pretty Woman to Runaway Bride.

If you're a Millennial or even a Gen Zer, you probably watched the movies as a tween or teen and gleaned (what you thought were helpful) insights about love, life, and relationships. After all, it's natural to look up to the woman on the big screen and want to follow in her footsteps.

Well, allow us to present a different take on the matter. In our humble opinion, movies can be just as wisdom-packed when they show you behavior you shouldn't strive to emulate. So, here's what I learned not to do by watching Julia Roberts rom-coms.

Scroll to see the lessons I took away from all my favorite Julia Roberts rom-coms!

1. Don't say "yes" if you're not truly ready.

In Runaway Bride, Julia Roberts plays Maggie Carpenter, a woman who leaves her fiancés at the altar multiple times, and her track record leads her to be called "the runaway bride" by a journalist.

Perhaps there are two lessons here. Of course, while fleeing your own wedding day is bound to leave your partner with a whole lot of (valid) upset feelings, it's okay to say "no" and get out of a situation that isn't serving you, even if it feels like it's not what you're supposed to do.

But at the same token, remember that you shouldn't feel pressured into saying "yes" in the first place when you aren't genuinely ready to tie the knot with someone.

Being ambushed by a romantic proposal or facing expectations of marriage following a long-term relationship can be frightening. Still, don't allow yourself to be backed into a corner. Learn from Maggie's mistakes and say "yes" on your terms.

2. Manipulation isn't the way to get what you want.

My Best Friend's Wedding follows childhood best friends Julianne, played by Julia Roberts, and Michael, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney. They made a pact to marry each other if they were still single at 28 years old, yet four days before Julianne's birthday, she learns Michael is marrying another woman.

So, she attempts to break up her best friend's wedding, but let's just say it doesn't end well. I'm sure that all viewers could sympathize with Julianne's feelings of jealousy and heartbreak. Even so, this movie shows that trying to force someone into a relationship they don't want is manipulative (and won't work).

The lesson here? Respect other people's choices and realize that not every single romantic feeling has to be reciprocated.

3. Fame won't solve your problems. 

In Notting Hill, Julia Roberts plays Anna Scott, a famous actress who falls for the charming bookshop owner, William. Despite being a beloved film, it also serves as a master class in how fame can breed a whole host of relationship issues.

First off, Anna cheats on her boyfriend with William and cites the pressures of fame as an excuse. Instead of owning up to her actions, she seems to think that being a celebrity gives her a free pass to make poor decisions.

Then, Anna later takes it a step further by badmouthing William to strangers, again justifying her behavior as a consequence of her famous status. If that wasn't enough, when paparazzi harass her and follow her to William's house, she tries to pin the blame on him.

The takeaway here is that getting famous will not be a glamorous solution to all your problems. Rather, it often makes things worse. The spotlight can turn a person into a chaotic, out-of-touch mess who can't take responsibility for their actions.

Don't rely on grand gestures to fix your relationship. 

Finally, Valentine's Day is filled with romantic, grand gestures. From declarations of love to over-the-top surprises, the film portrays these moments as a way to fix whatever's wrong in a relationship. In reality, these gestures are surface-level and don't actually address deeper issues at play.

The real lesson is that true connection and lasting relationships are built on open communication, trust, and support. These things go much deeper than a bouquet of roses or an elaborate dinner.

Yes, grand gestures may be exciting, but they won't magically solve being on different pages with your partner.

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This Is Why So Many Books Now Have Colorful, Sprayed Edges Now

Today, many at-home libraries look a lot different than they did just a decade ago.

First, thanks to inspiration and ideas shared by avid readers on social media, classic shelving has gotten a major upgrade, with plenty of people using built-ins, DIY-ing shelving to look like built-ins, or displaying books in more unconventional stands.

Literature lovers are also upping their reading game by incorporating warm lighting, cozy chairs, and other viral bookworm accessories.

What's arguably the most new, though, is the introduction of colorful "sprayed edges" on the books themselves. Perhaps it goes against the classic mantra, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but this trend has taken over the reading scene. This is why!

Here's everything you need to know about sprayed edges books!

What are books with sprayed edges?

Books with "sprayed edges" have their page edges painted, which adds a bold pop of color or reveals an illustration when the book is closed. They're typically designed to complement the cover and invite you into fictional worlds before you even crack a story open.

So, this extra detail has become extremely popular among readers everywhere. It turns any ordinary book into a visual statement and provides book lovers with tons of new opportunities to display their collections.

In fact, some people have opted to begin exhibiting their books with the edges facing out as opposed to the spine. With this technique, your shelving practically transforms into a mosaic of art instead of just a storage area.

When did books with sprayed edges start?

It's important to note that while viral fantasy and romance novels have popularized this trend recently, the concept of decorating book edges has been around for centuries.

In 17th-century England, for instance, a technique called fore-edging, or painting watercolor scenes along the edges of books, became popular. Some novels have even been adorned with gold or silver leaf.

More on books with sprayed edges:

Nowadays, the process of mass-producing books with sprayed edges has been streamlined, with publishers using high-powered machines to keep up with the demand. Plus, countless readers have been DIY-ing this effect for years, using tools ranging from spray paint to markers.

The result makes books feel more exclusive, and they're often even labeled as such, being called "deluxe" or "special editions."

If you want to get your hands on some, you're in luck, too. Various highly anticipated books are being released this year with sprayed edges, including The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, and Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff (Signed B&N Exclusive Edition).

Additionally, even some older bestsellers will get their turn to shine with the release of special editions featuring sprayed edges.

Kristin Hannah's historical fiction novel The Nightingale, for example, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a deluxe edition. Readers won't just get sprayed edges but also a new dust jacket, a gold-foil stamped cover, and a ribbon bookmark.

Still, while social media platforms have helped fuel the demand for colorful, eye-catching books, not every work will get such special treatment. Since sprayed edges add to production costs, publishers have to carefully choose which titles get them.

Nonetheless, one thing is certain: fantasy, romance, and speculative fiction books tend to feature them the most, as readers who enjoy these genres really seem to appreciate the decorative aesthetic.

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