Colorado’s BBQ season typically runs from late spring to early fall, with most events taking place from May through September. The state hosts several BBQ competitions and festivals throughout the season, showcasing various regional styles and flavors.
As a competitor in Colorado’s BBQ season, you can expect to encounter a diverse range of BBQ styles and techniques. Colorado’s BBQ scene is influenced by its proximity to Texas, Kansas City, and other BBQ hotspots, as well as by the state’s unique regional flavors and ingredients.
Some notable BBQ competitions in Colorado include the Colorado BBQ Challenge in Frisco, the Rocky Mountain BBQ Association’s BBQ competition in Craig, and the Colorado Pork and Hops Challenge in Grand Junction. These events feature live music, food vendors, and various activities, along with the BBQ competitions.
To compete in a BBQ competition in Colorado, you will need to prepare your meat and bring your own equipment, including smokers, grills, and other BBQ tools. You will also need to adhere to strict rules and regulations regarding cooking and presentation, as judged by a panel of BBQ experts.
As a competitor, you can expect to face tough competition from other BBQ enthusiasts and professionals, as well as from unpredictable weather conditions. Colorado’s mountainous terrain can pose unique challenges for BBQ cooking, including high altitude, varying temperatures, and windy conditions.
| March 18, 2023: HOG Grilling – Auroa, CO |
| March 19, 2023: Merc Meat – In Backyard BBQ Competition – Longmont, CO |
| March 25, 2023: King of the Grill – Wray, CO |
| April 22, 2023: Ice Cube at R & B’s Bigass BBQ — Amp At Las Colonias Park – |
| May 12-13, 2023: Wild West BBQ Cook-Off – Lamar, CO |
| May 27-28, 2023: The Denver BBQ Festival – Denver, CO |
| May 27-28, 2023: Veterans of Foreign Wars CO BBQ Contest, Castle Rock, CO |
| June 15-17, 2023: Colorado BBQ Challenge – Frisco, CO |
| June 16-17, 2023: Colorado BBQ Challenge, Copper Mountain, CO |
| June 30 – July 1, 2023: Art of Barbeque, Sterling, CO |
| July 15, 2023 Blues N BBQ – Citizens Park Pavillion, Edgewater, CO |
| Aug. 11-12, 2023: Beat the Heat BBQ & Brews Alamosa, CO |
| August 25, 2023: Annual Legislative BBQ – Pueblo, CO |
| Sep. 16, 2023: rd Annual Blues, Brews & BBQs Festival – Westcliffe, CO |
| Sep. 16, 2023: Backyard BBQ Competition – Black Hawk, CO |
