Saturday, October 25
THE GREAT ALABAMA BBQ COOK-OFF
Free Family Event
October 25, 2025
Blount County Multi-Purpose Center
EVENT DETAILS
Join Alabama Public Television for a full day of food, fun and fellowship with the delicious aroma of barbecue, terrific live music—Caleb Lackey, Foggy Hollow Revue, and Key Lime Pie—a beer barn and more! Try free samples prepared by the BBQ competitors and grab tickets at the event for a full meal of barbecue and trimmings at the gate. Gates open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
KID-FRIENDLY AREA
Our early childhood education staff have crafted a ton of fun for young and older children. The best part? It’s open to everyone! No tickets needed.
🌟 Kid-Friendly Play! Thompson Tractor is sharing some small equipment safe for climbing and exploring.
🌟 Photo Booth! Take a photo with PBS KIDS star Carl the Collector.
🌟 Arts & Crafts! Color yourself with temporary tattoos or paint a wooden pumpkin.
🌟 Yard Games! Along with sand toys, we’ll have yard games for older children, such as corn hole, giant Jenga & Connect Four, and more!
Three Meat Contest ★ Great Food ★ Live Music ★ Kids Area ★ Free Samples
COMPETITION DETAILS
Three-Meat Contest with Ribs, Chicken, and Pork.
Qualifying events for the Great Alabama BBQ Cook-off will take place in September in Guntersville, Glencoe and Clanton.
2025 Qualifying Competitions
September 12: “Battle of the Bones” (Ribs Category Qualifier) at SMOKE ON THE WATER, Guntersville. Register.
September 13: “Lakeside Pork Fest” (Pork Category Qualifier) at SMOKE ON THE WATER, Guntersville. Register.
September 20: “Don’t Burn the Brisket” (Brisket Category Qualifier) at SMOKE IN THE PARK, Glencoe. Register.
September 28: “Friday Night Chicken Fight” (Chicken Category Qualifier) at CENTRAL ALABAMA BBQ FESTIVAL, Clanton. Register.
The top 15 teams in each qualifying event will receive discounted registration for The Great Alabama BBQ Cook-off Championship on October 25. Public registration for the championship will open August 19 – October 24.
REWARDS FOR EACH CATEGORY
1st Place • $1,000
2nd Place • $500
3rd Place • $250
4th Place • $150
5th Place • $150
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the event start?
Gates are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
When can participating teams arrive and get started?
The teams can start arriving at 9:00am on Friday, Oct 24. The meat inspectors will be present. There will be a Cook’s Meeting and Fish Fry at 6:30pm on Friday.
When is the turn-in time for the competition?
Turn-in time on Saturday is:
12pm for Chicken
12:30pm for Ribs
1:00pm for Pork
When will bands be performing?
11:15am – Caleb Lackey
1:45pm – Foggy Hollow Revue
3:00pm – Key Lime Pie
When will the awards ceremony take place?
The awards ceremony will take place at 4:15 p.m.
How can I attend and watch?
It’s free to attend, but if you’d like to eat BBQ, you need to buy a meal ticket onsite at the gate.
How can I buy a meal ticket to eat at the event?
You buy meal tickets at the gate.
Can I buy meal tickets the day of the event?
Yes, you will be able to buy meal tickets on the day of the event.
Official Sanctioned Event of the Kansas City Barbeque Society and the Alabama Barbecue Association.
Many Thanks to Our Event Sponsors
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