Virginia has a rich BBQ culture with several distinct styles and flavors that reflect the state’s diverse regional traditions and ingredients. Virginia hosts several BBQ competitions and festivals throughout the year that celebrate the state’s BBQ culture and provide an opportunity for competitors and attendees to sample a variety of BBQ styles and flavors.
Virginia-style BBQ is known for its use of pork, especially pork shoulder, which is slow-cooked over hickory or oak wood until tender and flavorful. Popular dishes include pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken, often served with traditional Southern sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and cornbread.
Virginia’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 peanuts, ham, and apples. The state is also home to several unique regional variations of BBQ, including Virginia-style BBQ, which features a vinegar-based sauce with a touch of sweetness, and Eastern Carolina-style BBQ, which features a vinegar-based sauce with hot peppers and red pepper flakes.
Virginia’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 Virginia include the Shenandoah Valley BBQ Fest in Waynesboro, the BBQ Jamboree in Fredericksburg, and the Virginia State BBQ Championship in Galax.
| Mar. 24-26, 2023: BBQ Gives Back, Urbanna, VA.Website: www.bbqgivesback.com. |
| Apr. 28-30, 2023: Revolutionary BBQ Brawl- Battle on the James, Williamsburg, VA. |
| May 5, 2023: Zom-B-Q Risen from the Dead Steak Cookoff, Galax, VA. Contact: Dave Dick, Phone: 804-832-0268, Email: kcbszombq@gmail.com. |
