At Oklahoma’s BBQ competitions, you can expect to experience a vibrant and exciting BBQ culture that is unique to the state. Oklahoma is known for its love of BBQ, and the state hosts several BBQ competitions and festivals throughout the year that attract BBQ enthusiasts from across the region and other states.
Oklahoma’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 Oklahoma include the Bixby BBQ ‘n Blues Festival, the Rock’n Rib Festival in Tulsa, and the Oklahoma State BBQ Championship in Enid.
These events offer a variety of activities, including live music, food vendors, and of course, BBQ competitions. Competitors from all over the state come to showcase their skills and compete for top honors in categories like best brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. Attendees can sample a wide variety of BBQ styles and flavors and learn about the unique techniques and traditions of Oklahoma-style BBQ.
Oklahoma’s BBQ scene is heavily influenced by the state’s unique regional flavors and ingredients, as well as by its proximity to other Southern states and other BBQ hotspots. Popular dishes include pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken, as well as Oklahoma-style BBQ dishes like smoked bologna and catfish.
| Mar. 31 – Apr. 1, 2023: Lake Views & BBQ (formerly Beats, Brew & BBQ), Wagoner, OK. Contact: Samantha Call, Phone: 918-577-1772, Email: wagonerlionsclub@gmail.com. |
| April, 2023: Red Dirt BBQ – Enid, OK |
| May 12-13, 2023: Exchange Club Chili & BBQ Cook-Off – Muskogee, OK |
| May 19, 2023: The BBQ ‘N Blues Festival – Cushing, OK |
| June 10, 2023: otem Pole BBQ & Music Fest – Chelsea, OK |
| June 14-15, 2023: Bricktown Blues and BBQ Festival – Bricktown, OK |
| June, 2023: Boots & BBQ festival – Claremore, OK |
| October, 2023: Smokin’ the Fort BBQ and Chili Cook-Off – Fort Gibson, OK |
| Sep. 2023: Cherokee Strip Cook-Off- Ponca City, OK |
| TBD, 2023: Rock ‘N Rib Festival, Tulsa, OK |
