Washington State has a growing BBQ scene, with several BBQ competitions and festivals held throughout the year that attract BBQ enthusiasts from around the region and other states. These events provide an opportunity for competitors to showcase their skills and for attendees to enjoy a variety of BBQ styles and flavors.
Washington’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 Washington include the Washington State Spring BBQ Championship in Pasco, the Wenatchee Downtown Sizzle in Wenatchee, and the BBQ on the Green in Richland.
The Washington style of BBQ is influenced by the state’s unique regional flavors and ingredients, including local seafood like salmon and oysters, as well as local fruits like cherries and apples. Popular dishes include pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken, as well as Washington-style BBQ dishes like smoked salmon.
Washington State’s BBQ sauces often feature a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, incorporating local ingredients like honey, apples, and cherries. The state’s BBQ culture is also influenced by its proximity to other Pacific Northwest states and other BBQ hotspots, as well as by its own unique regional traditions.
| Mar. 18, 2023: Outdoor Steak & Dutch Oven Cookoff, Spokane, WA. Contact: Inland Empire Spice, Phone: 509-413-1657, Email: admin@inlandempirespice.com |
| Mar. 18, 2023: Kids Steak – Outdoor Steak & Dutch Oven Cookoff, Spokane, WA. Contact: Inland Empire Spice, Phone: 509-413-1657, Email: admin@inlandempirespice.com. |
| Apr. 1-2, 2023: KOA Camp Que, Eureka, WA. Contact: Bash Productions, Phone: 636-256-6564, Email: stlhomefires@sbcglobal.net. |
| Apr. 1, 2023: 11th Annual Winter Blues Rib Rally, Vancouver, WA. |
| Apr. 8, 2023: 10th Annual Winter Blues Rib Rally, Vancouver, WA. |
| Apr. 21-23, 2023: Spring Fair BBQ Playoffs, Puyallup, WA. |
| May 6, 2023: Pendleton Cattle Baron’s Buckaroo BBQ Challenge, TBD. |
| Jun. 9-10, 2023: Bottles Brews Barbeques, Prosser, WA. |
| Jun. 24-25, 2023: Big Smoke in Little Kalama, Kalama, WA. |
