North Dakota is not as well-known for its BBQ scene as some other states, but there are still several BBQ competitions and festivals held throughout the year that attract BBQ enthusiasts from across the state and beyond.
North Dakota’s BBQ competition season typically runs from late spring to early fall, with most events taking place from May through September. Some notable BBQ competitions and festivals in North Dakota include the Dakota Smokefest in Fargo, the Wild Hog Grand Forks BBQ Championship, and the Roughrider Days Fair and Expo BBQ Cook-Off in Dickinson.
North Dakota’s BBQ scene is influenced by the state’s regional flavors and ingredients, which include bison, walleye, and other local game and fish. While pork is the most common meat used in traditional BBQ styles, North Dakota-style BBQ often includes these unique local ingredients to create distinctive flavors.
| March 15, 2023: Annual Bakken BBQ – West River Ice Center, Dickinson, ND |
| March 17-18, 2023: 5th annual Qlathe BBQ Championship at Lone Elm Park – Qlathe, KS |
| June 7-10, 2023: Happy Harry’s Ribfest – Fargo, ND |
| June 17-18, 2023: Liqr Pigz Rib Cookoff – ND-23, ND |
| July 18, 2023: Bakken Rocks CookFest – Killdeer, ND |
| Sep. 8-9th, 2023: Ribs Rods & Rock n’ Roll – Vermillion, ND – https://www.sdbbq.us/ |
