Florida hosts several BBQ competitions and festivals throughout the year. Florida’s BBQ competition season typically runs from early spring to late fall, with most events taking place from March through November.
The largest and most prestigious BBQ competitions in Florida are sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association (FBA) and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). These competitions attract BBQ enthusiasts and professionals from around the country, who compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights. Some notable competitions include the Lakeland Pigfest, the Florida State Championship BBQ Contest, and the Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition.
In addition to the major competitions, Florida hosts many smaller BBQ contests and festivals, ranging from local cook-offs to state and regional championships. These events provide opportunities for amateur and professional BBQ enthusiasts to showcase their skills and connect with others in the BBQ community.
Florida’s BBQ scene is influenced by its proximity to Georgia, the Carolinas, and other BBQ hotspots, as well as by the state’s unique regional flavors and ingredients. Popular dishes include pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken, as well as Florida-style BBQ dishes like smoked gator tail and fresh seafood.
| Feb. 18th, 2023: Beer, Bourbon & Barbecue Festival – Tampa, FL |
| Mar. 10-11, 2023: Pig-a-Palooza, Mulberry, FL. Contact: Bonnie Titus, Phone: 863-712-0625. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: Firefighter Charity BBQ & Chili Competition, Leesbrug, FL. Contact: Brian Gamble, Phone: 352-267-4580, Email: info@firefightercharity.org. |
| Mar. 31 – Apr. 1, 2023: 2023 Sebring 12 Hours of BBQ, Seabring, FL. Contact: J.C. Shoop, Phone: 863-214-8089. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: The Downtown BBQ Showdown, Lake City, FL. Contact: Terri Phillips, Phone: 386-288-0669, Email: cityevents@lcfla.com. |
| Apr. 21, 2023: Apopka Steak Cookoff, Apopka, FL. Contact: John Hanson, Phone: 352-255-4853. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: The 2023 Apopka Proud BBQ Showdown, Apopka, FL. Contact: John Hanson, Phone: 352-255-4853. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Grills Gone Wild, Davenport, FL. Contact: Josh Hicks, Phone: 863-348-2256. |
| Sep. 15-16, 2023: Que For A Cure, Riverview, FL. Contact: Roni-Kay Elser, Phone: 813-477-1340. |
| Sep. 22-23, 2023: Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ Festival, Perry, FL. Contact: Donna Creamer, Phone: 352-210-1827. |
