Whether you’re a Backyard Griller, a Cornhole Enthusiast, or simply here for the food, fun, and music - there’s something for everyone at BBQ Fest!

Friday, May 15

3:00 - 5:00 - Grillers & Vendors Set Up
5:00 - Social
Vendors are Open and Backyard Grillers Competition Meat is Inspected

Saturday, May 16

6:30 - Fairgrounds open for Grillers to Set Up
7:00 - Grillers Start Time
10:00 - Event Gates & Vendors Open for the Public
11:00 - Sampling and People's Choice Voting Begins, Purchase Tickets at the Event's Informational Booth
11:00 - Cornhole Tournament Registration Opens
12:00 - Live Music
12:00 - Cornhole Tournament Begins, L.E. Philips Building
12:00 - Judges Meeting (Closed)
1:00 - Backyard Grillers Competition Submission Time - Chicken
1:30 - Backyard Grillers Competition Submission Time - Ribs
2:00 - Backyard Grillers Competition Submission Time - Surprise Meat
2:30 - Live Music
3:00 - Cornhole Social Begins, L.E. Philips Building
4:00 - Deadline to Submit Votes for People's Choice Honors, Concession Stand
5:00 - 2026 BBQ Fest Winning Announcements, Custer Coliseum

Friday, May 15
3pm – 8pm Meat Checks for Backyard Griller Teams
4:30pm – 8pm Backyard Griller Teams Mandatory Meeting & Competition Box Pick Up (If not already received)

Saturday, May 16
6am – 8am Meat checks for Backyard Griller Teams
11am Backyard Event opens to the public
Noon Backyard Chicken turn-in
12:30pm Backyard Ribs turn-in
1pm – 2pm People’s Choice sampling (Two regular 9lb pork loins provided to each team courtesy of Mike's Star Market)
3pm People’s Choice voting submission deadline
4pm Awards for KCBS Backyard Teams & People’s Choice, Custer Coliseum

Admission and parking are free

Bring your friends, your appetite, and your competitive spirit - BBQ Fest promises to be our tastiest event of the year!

Times and event schedules are subject to change.