Texas is famous for its BBQ, with a style and flavor that is unique to the state and beloved by BBQ enthusiasts around the world. Texas hosts several BBQ competitions and festivals throughout the year that celebrate the state’s rich BBQ culture and provide an opportunity for competitors and attendees to sample a variety of BBQ styles and flavors.
Texas-style BBQ is known for its use of beef, especially brisket, which is slow-cooked over oak or mesquite wood until tender and flavorful. Popular dishes include brisket, ribs, smoked sausage, and beef ribs, often served with traditional Southern sides like potato salad, pinto beans, and coleslaw.
Texas’s BBQ scene is heavily influenced by the state’s regional flavors and ingredients, including the use of dry rubs and sauces that often incorporate local ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and jalapeno peppers. The state is also home to several unique regional variations of BBQ, including Central Texas-style BBQ, which features a simple salt and pepper rub and a focus on the quality of the meat, and South Texas-style BBQ, which uses a tangy tomato-based sauce and often includes barbacoa, or slow-cooked beef head.
Texas’s BBQ competition season typically runs year-round, with most events taking place from late spring to early fall. Some notable BBQ competitions and festivals in Texas include the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off, the Texas Monthly BBQ Festival in Austin, and the Big Apple Block Party in New York City, which features Texas-style BBQ from top pitmasters in the state.
| Mar. 10-11, 2023: 27th Annual CHTR BBQ Cook Off, Stockdale, TX. Contact: Mark Mika, Phone: 830-299-2335, Email: mmika@mikaenterprisesllc.com. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: Guns & Hoses, Wichita Falls, TX. Contact: Daniel Wilson, Phone: 940-867-9333, Email: D.wil83@yahoo.com. |
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: Beeville Springfest, Beeville, TX. Contact: Marias Serrata, Phone: 361-318-8007. |
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: Gatesville Texas Station Spring Fest BBQ Cook Off, Gatesville, TX. Contact: Kaylie Mendez, Phone: 254-223-3101. |
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: Harvest Christian Academy Cook Off, Edinburg, TX. Contact: Jaime G., Phone: 956-292-6293. |
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: N’Gee BBQ Cookoff, Normangee, TX. Contact: Joshua Harris, Phone: 281-687-1488, Email: harris5@me.com. |
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: Alvin Music Festival, Alvin, TX. Contact: Terry Droege. |
| Mar. 31 – Apr. 1, 2023: 33rd Annual Roughneck Chili & BBQ Cook Off, Luling, TX. Contact: Ashley Flores, Phone: 832-875-1922, Email: ashley@lulingcc.org. |
| Mar. 31 – Apr. 1, 2023: 3rd Annual Meat Burning Contest, La Feria, TX. Contact: Julie Cooke, Phone: 956-571-8670, Email: mc2andacrew@yahoo.com. |
| Mar. 31 – Apr. 1, 2023: Trevor Lee Chesson Memorial Marsh Fest, Winnie, TX. Contact: Aimee Cheeson, Phone: 409-728-6152, Email: aimeechesson@gmail.com. |
| Mar. 31- Apr. 1, 2023: Carfest, San Antonio, TX. Contact: Van Garcia, Phone: 210-213-5359. |
| Mar. 31- Apr. 1, 2023: Christine VFD BBQ Cook Off & Team Roping, Christine, TX. Contact: Christine fvd, Phone: 830-570-9571, Email: Jake741970@sbcglobal.net. |
| Mar. 31- Apr. 1, 2023: Friends of Flint 2nd Annual State BBQ Cook Off, Victoria, TX. Contact: Willie Stuart, Phone: 210-439-4191. |
| Mar. 31- Apr. 1, 2023: Guns & Hose, Angleton, TX. Contact: Angelton Poloce Officers Association, Phone: 979-481-3505. |
| Mar. 31- Apr. 1, 2023: Inaugural Taste of Texas BBQ Cook Off, Hidalgo, TX. Contact: Selenne Garza, Phone: 956-467-2618. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: 10th Annual Gruenau Cook Off, Sinton, TX. Contact: Dianna Metting, Phone: 361-491-1217, Email: diannametting@gmail.com. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: 10th BBQ Cookoff & Benefit, Iola, TX. Contact: Betty Moore, Phone: 512-539-6792, Email: ivfdcookoff@hotmail.com. |
| Mar. 31 – Apr. 1, 2023: Cedar Fest BBQ Cookoff, Cedar Park, TX. Contact: Tony Moline, Phone: 512-260-7800, Email: tony@cedarparkchamber.org. |
| Mar. 10-11, 2023: C.O.J.Y. Cook-Off State Championship, Santa Anna, TX. Contact: Debbie, Phone: 325-998-8877. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: State Championship, Clear Lake, TX. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: State Championship, Weatherford, TX. Contact: Phone: 817-598-4125 |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: Mens State State Championship, Spicewood, TX. |
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: Mens State State Championship, Granite Shoals, TX. |
| Mar. 10-11, 2023: Kaufman Junior Livestock Association, Kaufman, TX. Contact: James Hines, Phone: 972-965-3719. |
| Mar. 10, 2023: SCA Ancillary World Championship IX (Invitational), Fort Worth, TX. |
| Mar. 12, 2023: Cowtown Classic, Fort Worth, TX. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: Limestone County Go Texan Cookoff, Groesbeck, TX. Contact: Kyle Hancock, Phone: 254-625-1088. |
| Mar. 17-18, 2023: Red River Classic, Ardmore, OK. Contact: Clay, Phone: 580-277-3643. |
| Mar. 2023: Ellis County Sheriff, Waxahachie, TX. Contact: RC Cunningham, Phone: 972-824-1387. |
| Mar. 24-25, 2023: Risk it for the Brisket, Gilmer, TX. Contact: Anna Conlan, Phone: 903-680-9125. |
| Mar. 31- Apr. 1, 2023: Highland VFW Post 6974 Stars & Stripes BBQ, Burnet, TX. Contact: Jerry Holt, Phone: 512-568-8869. |
| Mar. 31- Apr. 1, 2023: 3rd Annual Pump Jack Capital Throwdown, Electra, TX. Contact: Damian Figueloa, Phone: 940-235-5978. |
| Apr. 1, 2023: Steak, Shake, and Stir, Sealy, TX. |
| Apr. 1, 2023: Kids Pork Chop – Steak, Shake, and Stir, Sealy, TX. |
| Apr. 7-8, 2023: Sumthin’s Burnin, Laguna Park, TX. Contact: Danny Burnett, Phone: 254-733-1261. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Henrietta Turkey Fest, Henrietta, TX. Contact: Melissa Roberson, Phone: 940-733-7944. |
| Apr. 20-23, 2023: Terrell Heritage Jubilee, Terrell, TX. Contact: Terrell CofC, Phone: 972-563-5703. |
| Apr. 29, 2023: Boomtown Border City Steak Cookoff, Texarkana, TX. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Smokin’ For Limbs, Emory, TX. Contact: Ray Daughety, Phone: 903-513-1421. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Freedom Is Not Free Spring Event, Granbury, TX. Contact: John Joffrion, Phone: 817-573-9350. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: 14th Annual Orange Grove VFD Cook Off, Orange Grove, TX. Contact: Chief Jeff McFatter, Phone: 361-701-3857, Email: chief.ogvfd@yahoo.com. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Bryan VFW BBQ Cook Off, Bryan, TX. Contact: Joannetta Carter, Phone: 979-823-0550, Email: vfw4692annualcookoff@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Hogs At The Point, Channing, TX. Contact: David Riggins, Phone: 806-674-2591, Email: bardcr@hotmail.com. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Los Cunados 4th Annual Cook Off, Weslaco, TX. Contact: Albert Cano, Phone: 957-472-2489. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Makenna Elrod Seiler Memorial Roping & Scholarship Cook Off, Uvalde, TX. Contact: Joel Zavala, Phone: 830-333-5010. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Parker County Sheriff’s Posse BBQ Cook-Off, Weatherford, TX. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Sargent VFD, Sargent, TX. Contact: Grady Powell, Phone: 801-560-5390, Email: gradyut@msn.com. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: Syndicate Smokedown, Fort Worth, TX. Contact: Andy Eldridge, Phone: 405-202-0740, Email: andy.eldridge@summitcasing.com. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: TAFR Charity Wild Game Cook Off, Hempstead, TX. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: VFW Post 8905 34th Semi-Annual BBQ Cook-Off, Cypress, TX. Contact: Terry L Morton, Phone: 832-593-3965, Email: tlmorton4@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 15-16, 2023: McGregor Lions Club Day 1 & 2, Waco, TX. Contact: Mike Olson, Phone: 254-258-8171. |
| Apr. 15-16, 2023: Our Hero’s Wear Combat Boots, Tomball, TX. Contact: Candie Baines, Phone: 832-326-6909. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: 1st Annual Boys and Girls Club Cook Off, Kingsville, TX. Contact: David Longoria, Phone: 361-522-3201. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: 20th Annual Bluebonnet Days Triple Heat, Orange Grove, TX. Contact: Jolene Terwilliger, Phone: 830-583-3223, Email: jolene@kenedychamber.org. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: Brownsville Police Officers Association Scholarship Cook Off, Brownsville, TX. Contact: John Tamayo, Phone: 956-746-1216. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: JDs Give Back Festival, Clute, TX. Contact: Landis Adams, Phone: 979-417-7613. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: Marina Village Camp N Cook, Trinity, TX. Contact: Melissa Bradley, Phone: 936-594-0149 Opt 3, Email: melissa.bradley@marina-village.com. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: McGregor Lions Club Day 1 & 2, Waco, TX. Contact: Mike Olson, Phone: 254-258-8171. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: Papalote VFD Annual Cookoff, Sinton, TX. Contact: Lee Garza, Phone: 361-742-9662, Email: garzal@cintas.com. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: Texas Shootout BBQ Cook Off, Andrews, TX. Contact: Andrews Chamber Of Commerce, Phone: 432-523-2695. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Annual Freestone County Go Texan BBQ Cook Off, Fairfield, TX. Contact: Jessica Corley-Rieves, Phone: 254-625-0925, Email: freestoneareagotexan@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Bob Wills Day BBQ Cook Off, Turkey, TX. Contact: Troy Glover, Phone: 806-790-4206, Email: lacydglover@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Buda Lions County Fair And BBQ Cook Off, Buda, TX. Contact: Frankie Hotch, Phone: 512-971-0355, Email: frankiewhoch@msn.com. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Chris Belasquez Memorial Cookoff, Sinton, TX. Contact: Joshua Melendez, Phone: 361-229-4978, Email: jcrf396@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Cooking Up A Cure, New Braunfels, TX. Contact: Diana Tomlin, Email: purplerelay@yahoo.com. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Knights Of Columbus #3201 3rd Annual BBQ Cook Off, Liberty, TX. Contact: Knights Of Columbus Cousin 3201, Phone: 936-931-2274. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: LTX BBQ & Rodeo, Lampasas, TX. Contact: Mike Olson, Phone: 254-258-8171. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Smoke On The Water, Port Neches, TX. Contact: Kayla White, Phone: 409-543-2208, Email: Kayla@steelinsulatorgroup.com. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Willacy County Young Farmers BBQ Cook Off, Raymondville, TX. Contact: Willacy County Young Farmers, Phone: 956-280-3792. |
| Apr. 7-8, 2023: Stockdale C of C Just Ranchin Cook Off, Stockdale, TX. Contact: Wesley Hodge, Phone:830-534-2460. |
| May 12-13, 2023: Battle on the Bay, Rockport, TX. Contact: Ronnie Medina, Phone: 361-557-1051, Email: ronmedtx4@gmail.com. |
| May 12-13, 2023: Bucks Backyard 7th Annual BBQ Cookoff, Buda, TX. Contact: Shane Sanders, Phone: 512-667-8063, Email: phvsanders@gmail.com. |
| May 12-13, 2023: City of Alamo Watermelon Festival and Cook Off, Alamo, TX. Contact: Lori Solis, Phone: 956-369-4162. |
| May 12-13, 2023: Texas BBQ Throwdown, Hempstead, TX. Contact: Dustin Standley, Phone: 281-924-6357. |
| May 12-13, 2023: Yaga’s Wild Game and Barbecue Cookoff, Galveston, TX. Contact: Chris Arneson, Phone: 409-939-6494, Email: chris@buildinggalveston.com. |
| May 19-20, 2023: 12th Annual Coleto Creek BBQ Assn BBQ Cook Off, El Campo, TX. Contact: Stephanie Schuckenbrock, Phone: 361-564-8677, Email: ccbbqa@hotmail.com. |
| May 19-20, 2023: 33rd Annual Jourdanton Volunteer Fire Dept, Jourdanton, TX. Contact: Jeff Rankin, Phone: 210-262-9758. |
| May 19-20, 2023: 7th Annual Austin Matura Scholarship Cook Off, East Bernard, TX. Contact: Kirk Matura, Phone: 979-533-0106, Email: kwmatura@gmail.com. |
| May 19-20, 2023: Annual Hitchcock BBQ on the Bayou, Hitchcock, TX. Contact: Chelsea Wick, Phone: 409-986-9224. |
| May 19-20, 2023: Floresville Cacahuate Cook Off, Floresville, TX. Contact: Brenda Trevino, Phone: 210-570-0603, Email: brendatrevino974@gmail.com. |
| May 19-20, 2023: Memorial Bash Cookoff, Victoria, TX. Contact: Donald Herrera, Phone: 361-648-3880, Email: donaldherrera79@icloud.com. |
| May 26-27, 2023: Lake Meredith’s Memorial Bash- Fire and Smoke, Fritch, TX. Contact: Whitney Phillips, Phone: 806-676-5269. |
| May 27-28, 2023: We Got Your Back 2 Back Double Header Day 1 & 2, Tomball, TX. Contact: Travis Verdin, Phone: 832-986-2846. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Chigger Hill Cook Off, Huntsville, TX. Contact: Susan Giroux, Phone: 936-661-2330, Email: sgiroux513jg@att.net. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Cinco de Mayo, Goliad, TX. Contact: Ruben San Miguel, Phone: 361-722-9565, Email: sanmiguelr30@gmail.com. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Crosby County Farm Bureau Scholarship Fundraiser, Crosbyton, TX. Contact: Walker Bartlett, Phone: 806-205-0074, Email: wbartlett1@txfb-ins.com. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Grimes County True Blue Foundation 2nd Annual BBQ Cook Off, Anderson, TX. Contact: Rita Marczewski, Phone: 936-348-8141. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Hooker’s Annual BBQ Cook Off, Del Rio, TX. Contact: Allison Riley, Phone: 432-528-9183. |
| May 5-6, 2023: League City Music Fest, League City, TX. Contact: Hank Dugie, Phone: 281-768-0145, Email: hankdugie@gmail.com. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Lost Pines BBQ Showdown, Smithville, TX. Contact: Joni Thompson, Phone: 713-540-1695, Email: jonith348@gmail.com. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Lots, Stocks, & Barrows, San Antonio, TX. Contact: David Bippert, Phone: 210-381-8617. |
| Jun. 16-17, 2023: Smokin on the Plaza, Lovington, NM. Contact: Mara Salcido, Phone:575-396-1418, Email: director@lovingtonmainstreet.org. |
| Jun. 16-24, 2023: Columbus Annual June Cook Off, Columbus, TX. Contact: Fausta Kaiser, Phone: 979-732-1386, Email: junecookoff@gmail.com. |
| Jun. 2-3, 2023: 2023 Kids Unlimited BBQ Cook Off, Houston-Pearland, TX. Contact: Carolyn Howren, Phone: 832-671-1916, Email: events@kidsunlimited.org. |
| Jun. 2-3, 2023: Cactus Cove Cornhole Open Cook Off, Amarillo, TX. Contact: Becky Miller, Phone: 806-236-1613. |
| Jun. 2-3, 2023: Fireman’s Light BBQ Cook Off, Blanco, TX. Contact: John Taylor, Phone: 903-746-3395, Email: jmt729@gmail.com. |
| Jun. 2-3, 2023: Gatesville Shivaree Up In Smoke, Gatesville, TX. Contact: Brenda Waters, Phone: 817-823-9030. |
| Jun. 2-3, 2023: Ingleside Smokin Tires & Lightin Fires, Ingleside, TX. Contact: Barbara Gregg, Phone: 361-776-2906, Email: inglesidetxchamber@gmail.com. |
| Jun. 23-24, 2023: 2nd Annual Adriana Bermea, Edna, TX. Contact: Derrick Bermea, Phone: 361-235-2478, Email: derrick.bermea1905@gmail.com. |
| Jun. 23-24, 2023: Smoke in the Pines Cook Off, Livingston, TX. Contact: John Clifton, Phone: 936-327-4929, Email: yvonne@polkchamber.com. |
| Jun. 30 – Jul. 1, 2023: Freedom First BBQ Cook Off, Fort Worth, TX. Contact: Dione M Sims, Phone: 817-317-6262, Email: dione.sims@unityunlimited.org. |
| Jun. 9-10, 2023: Great American Cook Off, Brownfield, TX. Contact: Justin Hesse, Phone: 806-236-0362, Email: jhessetx@yahoo.com. |
| Jun. 9-10, 2023: Joe Davis Scholarship, Hempstead, TX. Contact: John Caine, Phone: 832-228-0206, Email: Jcaine8913@aol.com. |
| Jun. 9-10, 2023: Smoke in the Mountain BBQ & Ribeye Shootout, Fort Davis, TX. Contact: Jennifer Webster, Phone: 432-249-1021. |
| Jun. 9-10, 2023: Texas Hero Memorial BBQ Cook Off, Gonzales, TX. Contact: Brian Ladwig, Phone: 361-243-1978, Email: bladwig907@gmail.com. |
| Jul. 1-2, 2023: Beat the Heat, Trinity, TX. Contact: Steven Jones. |
| Apr. 7-8, 2023: Easter Fest, Kerrville, TX. |
| Apr. 14-15, 2023: FFA, Lockhart, TX. |
| Apr. 21-22, 2023: Boiyancy’s BBQ Bash, Ft. Worth, TX. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Goat & BBQ Cook-off State Championship, Goldthwaite, TX. |
| Apr. 28-29, 2023: Germanfest, Muenster, TX. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Liver 4 Life, Ft. Worth, TX. Contact: Mark Miller, Phone: 817-360-6904. |
| May 5-6, 2023: Smoke & Guns Cook Off, Canton, TX. Contact: Misty Roberts, Phone: 903-477-0966. |
| May 6, 2023: Roanoke Rounduo Steak Cookoff, Roanoke, TX. Contact: City of Roanoke, Website: Roanoketexas.com. |
| May 12-13, 2023: Butterfield Stage Days, Bridgeport, TX. Contact: Nathan Byers, Phone: 940-683-2076. |
| May 19-20, 2023: 3rd Annual Pump Jack Capital Throwdown, Electra, TX. Contact: Damian Figueloa, Phone: 940-235-5978, Email: throwdown@yahoo.com. |
| May 27-28, 2023: Cody Dragoo Memorial BBQ Cook Off, West, TX. Contact: Ranae Knust, Phone: 254-716-2262. |
| Jun. 2-3, 2023: Covington VFD BBQ Cook-Off, Covington, TX. Contact: Shalest Karlicek, Phone: 254-205-8035. |
| Apr. 22, 2023: The Ron Harper Memorial Classic Steak Cookoff, Rockwall, TX. Contact: Stephen Gentzler, Phone: 919-649-5379, Email: sgentzler342@gmail.com. |
| Apr. 15, 2023: 4th Annual Gene Potts Memorial Cookoff (DOUBLE), Liberty, TX. Contact: Carrie Potts, Phone: 281-546-4336, Email: genepottsmemorial@yahoo.com. |
| Feb. 23-25, 2023: World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest – Houston, TX |
| May 5-6, 2023: LCMF BBQ Cookoff – Walter Hall Park, League City, TX |
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