Sizzling Smoke and Live Music: Mauldin’s 16th Annual BBQ Cook-Off Returns This Weekend
September 9, 2026
Looking for an exciting way to kick off your weekend? Head to Mauldin this Friday as pitmasters from across the region fire up the smokers for Mauldin’s 16th Annual BBQ Cook-Off, presented by Duke’s Mayo. Running September 11–12, the festival brings two days of intense culinary competition, live music, and family entertainment to town to crown the best barbecue in the Southeast.
The action starts Friday evening with a fan-favorite twist, followed by the high-stakes main championship on Saturday afternoon.
Friday, Sept. 11: The “Anything Butt” Showdown
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The festival kicks off with the “Anything Butt” competition, where competing teams showcase their creative chops outside traditional pork barbecue. Cookers serve up standout specialties of their choosing—from savory pizzas and candied bacon to homemade cobbler. The only rule: everything is on the table, except pulled pork.
Saturday, Sept. 12: The Main BBQ Championship
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday hosts the premier Cook-Off competition, sanctioned and judged by certified experts from the South Carolina Barbeque Association. Festivalgoers can taste and compare pulled pork from more than 25 pitmasters battling for top honors.
Event Highlights and Visitor Information
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Entertainment: Both days feature a dedicated kids’ zone, multiple food trucks, and live musical performances throughout the grounds.
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Tasting Tickets: Food samples at cooker stations and participating food trucks require taste tickets, which are valid across both days. Ticket sales conclude at 8:00 PM on Friday and 1:00 PM on Saturday.
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Payment: Alcohol vendors and independent food trucks accept cash or card. Attendees arriving after ticket booths close can still purchase food and beverages directly from vendors using cash or card.
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Early Arrival Recommended: All competition food is served only while supplies last.
Complete event schedules, parking details, and vendor listings are available at mauldinbbq.com(opens in new tab).
