Mississippi’s BBQ competition season typically runs from late spring to early fall, with most events taking place from May through September. Some notable BBQ contests and festivals in Mississippi include the Great Delta Bear Affair BBQ Contest in Rolling Fork, the Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville, and the Red, White and Blue BBQ Festival in Caledonia.
These events feature live music, food vendors, and various activities, along with the BBQ competitions. Competitors are judged on a variety of factors, including taste, tenderness, appearance, and overall impression, with a focus on showcasing the unique flavors and techniques of Mississippi-style BBQ.
Mississippi’s BBQ scene is heavily influenced by its proximity to other Southern states 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 Mississippi-style BBQ dishes like catfish and sweet potatoes.
Overall, Mississippi’s BBQ competitions offer a fun and flavorful experience for BBQ enthusiasts, providing opportunities to connect with others in the BBQ community, sample delicious BBQ, and experience the unique flavors and culture of Mississippi’s BBQ scene.
| Mar. 24-25 2023: The South MS Boucherie, Tylertown, MS. Contact: Stephen Pigott, Phone: 601-303-1119, Email: swpigott@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 15, 2023: Kids Pork Chop – Magnolia (DOUBLE) Steak Cookoff, Southaven, MS. Contact: Debbie Storley, Phone: 662-420-0534. |
| Apr. 16, 2023: South Branch Lions Club Steak Cookoff, Byhalia, MS. Contact: Ralph Shields, Phone: 901-481-1660, Email: ralphshields@att.net. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: Southaven Spingfest, Southaven, MS. Contact: Brenda Orozco, Phone: 901-800-7907, Email: brendaorozco514@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: Southaven Springfest, Southaven, MS. Contact: Kristi Faulkner, Phone: 662-393-6939, Email: kfaulkner@southaven.org. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Que On The Yazoo, Greenwood, MS. Contact: Brantley, Phone: 662-458-0886, Email: mainstreetgreenwood@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 29, 2023: Smokin on the Rez (DOUBLE) Steak Cookoff, Brandon, MS. Contact: Chuck Buffington, Phone: 601-672-6669. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Peavine Festival, Boyle, MS. Contact: Justin, Phone: 662-719-1675. |
| June 23-24, 2023: 6th Annual Cooking on the Creek BBQ Battle, Biloxi, MS. Contact: Brandon Houston, Phone: 228-392-7717. |
