South Carolina’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 South Carolina include the BBQ Festival in Marion, the Pickin’ & Piggin’ Festival in Greenwood, and the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival in Columbia.
In North Carolina, pork is the primary meat used in BBQ, with whole hog being the traditional choice. In South Carolina, pork is still popular, but beef and chicken are also commonly used.
South Carolina-style BBQ is known for its use of the mustard-based sauce, which is unique to the state and provides a sweet and tangy flavor. Other popular dishes include pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken, often served with traditional Southern sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and baked beans.
South Carolina’s BBQ scene is heavily influenced by the state’s history and culture, as well as by its proximity to other Southern states and other BBQ hotspots. Each region of the state has its own unique BBQ traditions, with the mustard-based sauce being most popular in the central part of the state, and the tomato-based sauces being more common in the southern part of the state.
| Mar. 10-11, 2023: Big Butt Strutt BBQ Showdown, Anderson, SC. Contact: Stephen McIntee, Phone: 864-546-8811, Email: stephen.mcintee@ampf.com. |
| Mar. 10-11, 2023: 2023 Doko Ribfest Cook Off, Blythewood, SC. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: 5th Annual Qlathe BBQ Championship, Anderson, SC. Contact: Chris Stewart, Phone: 913-971-8605, Email: cpstewart@olatheks.org. |
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: Bar Ba Brew BBQ CookOff and Craft Brew Festival, Harrisburg, NC. |
| Mar. 25, 2023: Silos Brewing Co. (DOUBLE) Steak Cookoff, Easley, SC. Contact: Jim Andreasson, Phone: 864-607-3139, Email: jim@boostmybrand.com. |
| Mar. 31- Apr. 1, 2023: Summerville Masonic Lodge, Summerville, SC. |
| Apr. 7-8, 2023: Smoke on the Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC. Contact: Rusty Watson, Phone: 843-685-5540, Email: mbscsmokeonthebeach@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Top Dog BBQ Contest, Summerville, SC. Contact: Art Williams, Phone: 843-908-3557. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: Newberry Pork in the Park, Summerville, SC. Contact: Bridget Carey, Phone: 803-321-1015, Email: bcarey@cityofnewberry.com. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: OMAR Bootleggers BBQ Cook-Off, Monchs Corner, SC. Contact: Greg Hardee, Phone: 843-364-5595, Email: hardeegr@homesc.com. |
