Get Ready for BBQ Heaven! Explore the Best Texas Barbecue Cook Offs this Spring
Get ready to ignite your taste buds because it's time for some barbecue (What wine goes well with barbecue?) heaven! Texas is known for its rich, smoky, and savory barbecue; there's no shortage of competitions to prove who can cook up the best. So spring is the perfect time to explore Lone Star State's famous cook-offs, where pitmasters put their skills to the test, dishing out plates of mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and pulled pork to eager crowds.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a barbecue newbie, there is something for everyone at these fabulous events. So grab a cold drink, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor some of the state's best Texas barbecues. When it comes to BBQ, beef brisket (What wine goes well with beef brisket?) is always a top choice. Check it out here to learn more.
What is a Barbecue Cook-Off?
Barbecue cook-offs are a serious business in Texas. Anyone who thinks grilling is just for the weekend get-together has never been to one of these events.
These cook-offs bring out the best of the best as contestants compete for prize money and bragging rights. And they don't just cook one type of meat - teams compete in various categories, from pork to brisket, ribs, chicken, beans, and even some exotic meats. The competition is fierce, with teams staying up through the night to make sure their fire is just right and their meat is perfectly seasoned.
But it's not just about the food. It's about the experience.
A barbecue cook-off celebrates the Lone Star state's rich culture and traditions with music, games, and a lively atmosphere. But, if you think you know barbecue, you haven't experienced it until you've been to a Texas barbecue cook-off.
Curious about Texas BBQ? TexasRealFood discusses Texas BBQ: What It Is and Where It Came From.
Tips for Attending a Texas Barbecue Cook-Off and Making Sure You Get the Most Out Of It
Are you ready to attend a Texas Barbecue cook-off but unsure what to expect? Don't worry. With these tips and tricks, you can ensure you'll get the most out of your cook-off experience.
Texas is home to some of the best barbecue cook-offs in America, and attending one can be a truly unforgettable experience. However, to make the most of your time at a Texas barbecue cook-off, it's essential to do some prep work beforehand.
Make sure to come hungry - you don't want to miss a single bite of the mouth-watering meat and sides.
It's also a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you'll likely be spending the day walking around and sampling different barbecue dishes.
Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with the other attendees and the vendors, who will be more than happy to share their favorite tips and tricks for getting the most out of a Texas barbecue cook-off.
With these tips in mind, you'll have a fantastic time at any barbecue cook-off in the Lone Star State.
Why You Should Start Planning Your Trip to the Next Texas Barbecue Cook-Off
Attending a Texas Barbecue cook-off should be on your bucket list if you're a fan of hearty, delicious food and southern hospitality. Not only will you get to indulge in some of the best BBQs in the world, but these events are also packed with entertainment, live music, and friendly competition.
Discover the delicious history of Texas BBQ
Witness the art of cooking over open flames, taste-test different sauces and rubs, and maybe even pick up some tips and tricks for your backyard cookouts.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into each competition
There's no better way to meet new people and form lasting memories than over a plate of perfectly smoked brisket.
Taste all the juicy flavors of Texas' best barbecues - from brisket to ribs.
So, why not gather your friends and family and head to a Texas Barbecue cook-off for a weekend of food, fun, and southern hospitality?
Texas Barbecue Cook-Offs this Spring
Spring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than with some finger-licking good barbecue? Texas is known for its deliciously savory and smoky flavors, and with the numerous barbecue cook-offs happening this season, there's no excuse not to indulge.
From Houston to Lubbock, every corner of the Lone Star State is sizzling with excitement as pitmasters come together for serious grilling showdowns.
If you want to taste some of the best Texas barbecues, visit the Champions Barbecue Alliance website for more information on where to find these epic cook-offs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to savor the sights and smells of some genuinely exceptional barbecue.
April 7-8, 2023
Stockdale C of C Just Ranchin Cook Off, Stockdale, TX.
Venue: Stockdale City Park
Contact: Wesley Hodge, Phone:830-534-2460.
April 14-15, 2023
Makenna Elrod Seiler Memorial Roping & Scholarship Cook Off, Uvalde, TX.
Venue: Uvalde County Fairplex
Contact: Joel Zavala, Phone: 830-333-5010
Parker County Sheriff's Posse BBQ Cook-Off, Weatherford, TX.
Venue: Parker County Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Grounds & Event Center
Contact: Raquel Harbin, Phone: 940-550-5019
TAFR Charity Wild Game Cook-Off, Hempstead, TX.
Venue: Waller County Fair
Los Cunados 4th Annual Cook-Off, Weslaco, TX.
Contact: Albert Cano, Phone: 957-472-2489.
April 15-16, 2023
McGregor Lion's Club Barrels, BBQ & Cars, Waco, TX.
Venue: Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX
Contact: Mike Olson, Phone: 254-258-8171.
Our Hero's Wear Combat Boots, Tomball, TX.
Venue: Tomball VFW Post 2427
Contact: Candie Baines, Phone: 832-326-6909.
April 21-22, 2023
1st Annual Boys and Girls Club Cook Off, Kingsville, TX.
Venue: JK North Coliseum, Kingsville, TX
Contact: David Longoria, Phone: 361-522-3201.
Texas Shootout BBQ Cook-Off, Andrews, TX.
Venue: Ace Arena, Andrews, TX
Contact: Andrews Chamber Of Commerce, Phone: 432-523-2695.
Brownsville Police Officers Association Scholarship Cook Off, Brownsville, TX.
Venue: 2547 N Expressway 77/83, Brownsville, TX
Contact: John Tamayo, Phone: 956-746-1216.
JDs Give Back Festival, Clute, TX.
Venue: Clute Municipal Park, Clute, TX
Contact: Landis Adams, Phone: 979-417-7613.
April 28-29, 2023
LTX BBQ & Rodeo, Lampasas, TX.
Venue: 2351 Fm 580, Lampasas, TX 76550
Contact: Mike Olson, Phone: 254-258-8171.
Cooking Up A Cure, New Braunfels, TX.
Contact: Diana Tomlin, Email: purplerelay@yahoo.com.
Knights Of Columbus #3201 3rd Annual BBQ Cook Off, Liberty, TX.
Touch: Knights Of Columbus Cousin 3201, Phone: 936-931-2274.
Willacy County Young Farmers BBQ Cook-Off, Raymondville, TX.
Venue: 10804 business 77, Raymondville, TX
Contact: Willacy County Young Farmers, Phone: 956-280-3792.
May 5-6, 2023
Grimes County True Blue Foundation 2nd Annual BBQ Cook Off, Anderson, TX.
Venue: Yankee's Tavern, Anderson, TX
Contact: Rita Marczewski, Phone: 936-348-8141.
Lots, Stocks, & Barrows, San Antonio, TX.
Contact: David Bippert, Phone: 210-381-8617.
Hooker's Annual BBQ Cook Off, Del Rio, TX.
Venue: Lake Amistad, Del Rio, TX
Contact: Allison Riley, Phone: 432-528-9183.
May 12-13, 2023
City of Alamo Watermelon Festival and Cook-Off, Alamo, TX.
Venue: Downtown Central Park, Alamo, TX
Contact: Lori Solis, Phone: 956-369-4162.
Texas BBQ Throwdown, Hempstead, TX.
Venue: The Barbecue Store, Hempstead, TX
Contact: Dustin Standley, Phone: 281-924-6357.
May 19-20, 2023
33rd Annual Jourdanton Volunteer Fire Dept, Jourdanton, TX.
Venue: 748 Mulberry St, Jourdanton, Tx 78026
Contact: Jeff Rankin, Phone: 210-262-9758.
Annual Hitchcock BBQ on the Bayou, Hitchcock, TX.
Contact: Chelsea Wick, Phone: 409-986-9224.
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.
If you’re awake at night asking “what’s the best bbq near me?” then TexasRealFood has the answer to that. Check out The 10 Best Texas BBQ Joints (With Photos!)
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Click here to learn more about your ultimate guide to BBQ tips and tricks.
