Mauldin Fires Up the Grills: 16th Annual SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off Slated for September

The Mauldin Cultural Center has officially started the two-month countdown to one of the Upstate’s most anticipated culinary traditions: Mauldin’s 16th Annual SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off.

Presented by Duke’s Mayonnaise, the popular two-day festival is scheduled to return to the Mauldin Cultural Center on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, 2026.

This year’s event will showcase more than 25 professional cook teams traveling from across the region to compete for the title of the best barbecue in the Southeast. Beyond the fierce competition at the smokers, the family-friendly festival promises a full weekend of entertainment, featuring live music, a dedicated Kids Zone, and a wide array of food vendors.

Event Schedule:

• Friday, September 11: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

• Saturday, September 12: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Location: Mauldin Cultural Center grounds

Call for Competitors

For local Pitmasters and cooking teams looking to test their skills on the festival stage, the window to get in on the action is closing soon. Organizers have announced that cooker registration applications are actively being accepted, but the deadline to submit is Friday, July 24.

Interested teams can secure their spot by visiting the official event website at mauldinbbq.com and navigating to the “2026 Team Registration” tab.

Whether you are looking to compete for regional bragging rights or simply looking to enjoy a weekend of incredible food and community fun, be sure to mark your calendars—the heat is officially coming to Mauldin this September.