The smoke / March 20, 2027
BBQ competition.
Pitmasters fire up their smokers. James “BBQ” Grubbs makes a special appearance. A tasting ticket includes a sampling.
Come hungry
Top pitmasters battle for BBQ bragging rights. Come for the sights, the smoke, and a sampling from the teams on the grounds.
An adult tasting ticket is $25 and includes a sampling plus two beverages. Kids ages 5–12 are $5.
Cooking? Teams can compete in the Pro or Backyard division. Entry is $300 per team, and the deadline is March 12, 2027. Enter your team
Cook teams
Enter your team.
$300 per team. People’s Choice is free. Entry deadline March 12, 2027. Entries go to the festival organizer by email. Judges register through FBA once the event is listed on their calendar.
At a glance
- $300 per team
- People’s Choice free
- Vending add-on $150
- Deadline March 12, 2027
- 20×40 ft cook sites
- Load-in Thu, March 18
Competition rules & guidelines
All teams must be registered with the Florida BBQ Association (FBA) and follow FBA rules. Register with the FBA here.
Who can enter
Head cooks must be FBA members in good standing. Pro or Backyard division.
Join FBA: Individual $50/yr, Family $75/yr, Lifetime $500.
Categories
- Chicken
- Pork Ribs (baby back or spare)
- Pork (shoulder, butt or picnic)
- Beef Brisket
Enter all four for Grand and Reserve Champion.
Judging
Blind judging by six FBA-certified judges on appearance, taste, and tenderness.
Schedule
Thursday, March 18, 2027
- Team load-in
- Quiet time 11 PM to sunrise
Friday, March 19, 2027
- Meat inspection from noon
- Cook Teams’ Meeting that evening (required; turn-in boxes handed out)
- Quiet time 11 PM to sunrise
Saturday, March 20, 2027
- Chicken 11:00
- Ribs 12:00
- Pork 1:00
- Brisket 2:00
Turn-ins ±5 minutes. Awards follow turn-ins.
Key rules
- USDA-inspected meat held at 40°F or below; nothing seasoned or cooked before inspection
- Wood, charcoal, or pellets only (gas or electric to start the fire only)
- A current fire extinguisher at every cook site
- Tents must be fire retardant, with documentation or label
- Quiet time enforced; violators may be removed from the contest site
- Head cook must be an FBA member; enter the number on the entry form
Read the full FBA contest rules.
Fees & prizes
| Entry fee | $300 per cook team |
|---|---|
| People’s Choice “Best Bite” | Free |
| Vending add-on (sell your food) | $150 |
| Entry deadline | March 12, 2027 |
Grand and Reserve Champion require all four categories. Prize details will be posted when confirmed.
Cook sites
- Standard site about 20×40 ft; need more room? Note the size on the form
- Power is limited; request it on the form
- Note trailer or RV length on the form
People’s Choice “Best Bite” Competition
Got the crowd-pleaser? Let the public decide.
- At least 500 tastings in 2-oz ramekins
- Serve the public noon to 5 p.m.
- Cook anything with at least one smoked or grilled ingredient
Attendees sample and vote for their favorite bite.
Contact
Organizer: Bill Barnett, bbarnette@CoAdvantage.com