The Spirit of Texas BBQ Competitions & Festivals
Few things embody Texas culture like the smell of oak wood and sizzling brisket in the air. Across the Lone Star State, BBQ competitions and festivals celebrate more than food — they honor craftsmanship, community, and tradition.
What Is a BBQ Competition?
BBQ competitions are organized cook-offs where teams go head-to-head smoking meats to perfection. Entries are judged on tenderness, flavor, and presentation.
Common sanctioning bodies include:
- KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) – A national organization known for structured, points-based competitions. kcbs.us
- IBCA (International Barbeque Cookers Association) – A Texas staple focusing on traditional Texas-style judging. ibcabbq.org
- CBA (Champions Barbecue Alliance) – A newer Texas-based circuit blending competition and community. cbabbq.com
- SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) – Focused on quick-grill steak contests. steakcookoffs.com
- LSBS (Lone Star Barbecue Society) – Regional events with a family-friendly spirit. lsbs.org
Beyond competition circuits, BBQ festivals and meat-ups bring people together to eat, learn, and celebrate pit culture — from big-name events like the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest to open-fire experiences like the Texas Open Fire Meat Up.
Upcoming Texas BBQ Events – Fall 2025 Season
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest
Date: November 1–2, 2025
Location: Lockhart, Texas
Type: Festival / Cook-Off
Sanctioning Body: Unsanctioned (Cultural Event)
Official Site: austintexas.org
Every fall, Lockhart — the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” — transforms into a smoky paradise as dozens of the state’s top pitmasters gather for two days of food, music, and fellowship. The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is where fans can sample the “Top 50” joints, learn techniques, and experience true BBQ camaraderie.
BBQ Road Trip Tip:
While in Lockhart, visit the legendary trifecta: Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market, and Black’s BBQ — all featured in the ExploringBBQ Directory.
👉 Plan your own Texas BBQ tour here.
Texas Open Fire Meat Up
Date: November 8, 2025
Location: Hondo, Texas
Type: Meat-Up / Influencer Gathering
Sanctioning Body: Independent
Official Site: alfrugoni.com
Hosted by open-fire cooking personality Al Frugoni, this unique event blends live-fire demonstrations, pitmaster collaborations, and social media BBQ culture. Expect glowing coals, sizzling steaks, and a community of creators passionate about primal cooking.
BBQ Road Trip Tip:
Explore nearby Castroville’s Alsatian heritage, or head east to San Antonio for classic Tex-Mex and iconic BBQ at 2M Smokehouse or Pinkerton’s Barbecue.
👉 Plan your own Texas BBQ tour here.
Permian Basin BBQ Cook-Off
Date: November 11–12, 2025
Location: Midland, Texas
Type: Invitational / Regional Cook-Off
Sanctioning Body: Private / Local
Official Site: danielep.com
Set in the heart of oil country, this West Texas cook-off draws teams from across the region for big prizes and bragging rights. Known for its community feel and corporate sponsorships, the Permian Basin BBQ Cook-Off mixes competition with camaraderie.
BBQ Road Trip Tip:
While in Midland, swing by KD’s BBQ or Porky’s Smokehouse for a local flavor fix, then explore nearby Big Bend Country if you’re turning the weekend into a road trip.
👉 Plan your own Texas BBQ tour here.
Champions Barbecue Alliance Fall Cook-Off Series
Date: October 10–31, 2025
Locations: Cuero, Pearsall, and Edinburg, TX
Type: Sanctioned Cook-Offs
Sanctioning Body: CBA
Official Site: cbabbq.com
The CBA’s fall circuit packs the calendar with hometown cook-offs where pitmasters compete for championship points. Events include Cuero Turkey Fest (Oct 10), Watt’s Smoke’n BBQ (Oct 17), and Segovia BBQ Cookoff (Oct 24) — all lively gatherings filled with friendly rivalries and family-style BBQ fun.
BBQ Road Trip Tip:
These South Texas towns are full of small-town charm and hidden BBQ gems. Don’t miss Smokin’ Aces BBQ in Pearsall or Mustang Alley BBQ in Cuero.
👉 Plan your own Texas BBQ tour here.
IBCA Regional Cook-Off Series
Date: October 3–31, 2025 (Multiple weekends)
Locations: Porter, Robstown, Amarillo, and Pearland, TX
Type: State & Regional Cook-Offs
Sanctioning Body: IBCA
Official Site: ibcabbq.org
The IBCA remains one of Texas’ most respected circuits, and its October regionals showcase top talent from every corner of the state. From Piney Woods Classic in East Texas to BBQ for Hope in the Panhandle, these events demonstrate how diverse Texas BBQ truly is.
BBQ Road Trip Tip:
Plan a road trip to taste regional styles — Central Texas post oak, South Texas mesquite, and Gulf Coast seafood BBQ.
👉 Plan your own Texas BBQ tour here.
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off
Date: TBD (Winter 2026)
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Type: Major Cook-Off / Festival
Sanctioning Body: IBCA or LSBS (Pending)
Official Site: sarodeo.com
This iconic rodeo cook-off draws hundreds of teams and thousands of spectators each year. Even before dates are announced, teams begin prepping early for one of the biggest stages in Texas BBQ.
BBQ Road Trip Tip:
Make it a San Antonio BBQ tour — stop at 2M Smokehouse, Reese Bros Barbecue, and The Barbecue Station for some of the city’s best.
👉 Plan your own Texas BBQ tour here.
Plan Your Own Texas BBQ Road Trip
Every Texas BBQ event is an opportunity to explore new regions, flavors, and pitmaster stories. Whether you’re following the smoke to Lockhart, Pearsall, or the Permian Basin, build your custom route using our BBQ Restaurant Directory.
Pair competitions with legendary joints, and you’ll experience Texas BBQ the way it was meant to be: on the road, one slice of brisket at a time.
Calling all Pitmasters, Grill Masters, and BBQ Enthusiant!
It’s time to fire up the smokers, shine those tongs, and show off your true BBQ spirit! Heading to a festival? Don’t just bring your appetite; bring your A-game in style!
Declare Your BBQ Devotion!
Let the world know you live for the smoke, the sizzle, and the savory goodness that is BBQ culture. From witty tees to gear that speaks volumes about your passion, we’ve got everything you need to stand out from the crowd and represent the lifestyle you love.
Ready to gear up?
Head over to shop.exploringbbq.com and pick up your favorite BBQ spirit wear today! Show off your enthusiasm, embrace the culture, and let’s make this festival season the most flavorful one yet!
