Mauldin Prepares for 16th Annual SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off This September

The smoky aroma of slow-cooked pork and competitive spirit will soon fill the air as the City of Mauldin gears up for a landmark community tradition. Organizers have officially announced the return of the 16th Annual SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off, bringing together food enthusiasts, families, and elite regional pitmasters for a weekend celebration of Southern culinary heritage.

The two-day festival will take place on Friday, September 11th, and Saturday, September 12th at the Mauldin Cultural Center Outdoor Amphitheater, located at 101 E. Butler Road. Admission to the festival grounds is completely free, with attendees only paying for the food and beverages they choose to purchase.

Two Days of Competition and Flavors

Presented by Duke’s Mayonnaise, the festival showcases a massive array of flavors split across two distinct competitions:

• Friday Night “Anything Butt” (September 11, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM): The weekend kicks off with a creative culinary twist. Participating cook teams are challenged to serve anything except standard pork butt. Visitors can sample unique creations ranging from sliders and grilled chicken to smoked cobblers, purchasing individual food tickets to taste the entries.

• Saturday Main Event (September 12, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): The core competition centers on masterfully crafted, traditional pulled pork BBQ. More than 20 cookers from across the Southeast will face off under the strict scrutiny of a professional judging panel from the South Carolina Barbeque Association (SCBA).

While the official judges hand down cash prizes for the top placements, the general public will also get a say. Attendees can purchase Tasting Passes on Saturday to sample 2-ounce pork portions from the various teams and cast their official ballots for the coveted People’s Choice Award.

Music, Drinks, and Family Fun

Beyond the barbecue, the SOOIE festival is designed as a full-scale community gathering. The amphitheater will play host to a rotating lineup of live music throughout the weekend, providing a vibrant soundtrack for the festivities. Families can take advantage of a dedicated Kids Zone featuring games and activities, while adults can explore a selection of craft beer and wine options available on-site.

Know Before You Go

To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, festival organizers have provided a few helpful tips for attendees:

• Seating: Guests are highly encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to relax on the amphitheater lawn.

• Pets: Leashed, well-behaved dogs are permitted on the festival grounds, provided owners bring disposable bags to clean up after them.

• Prohibited Items: Outside food and beverages, smoking, skateboards, and bicycles are strictly prohibited within the event area.

• Parking: Free public parking will be available at several neighboring city lots, including Mauldin Cultural Center, Mauldin City Hall, and the Mauldin Sports Center.