Texas BBQ Cook Offs in Hill Country – Expert Guide

Masonic Lodge BBQ Cook‑Off – State Championship

  • Date: April 11–12, 2025
  • Location: Kimble County Fairgrounds, 230 Fairgrounds Rd, Junction, TX
  • Entry Fee: $150 (Early‑bird $100 if paid by March 28)
  • Registration Deadline: March 28, 2025
  • Register: LSBS Event Registration
  • Contact: Lone Star Barbecue Society — [email protected] | (512) 330‑4242
  • Rules Highlights:
    • LSBS meat‑sourcing & traceability
    • Charcoal/wood smokers only
    • Setup 7 am–9 am; teardown by 6 pm
  • Judging Categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Pork
  • Camping: RV & tent (no hookups); reserve via fairgrounds at (325) 446‑3190
  • Lodging Suggestion: Bed and Breakfast Fredericksburg Texas

 


Expert Guide to Texas BBQ Cook‑Offs in Hill Country for 2025 by Pitmasters


 

Easterfest BBQ Cook‑Off & Open Car Show

  • Date: April 18–19, 2025
  • Location: Flat Rock Park, 3840 Riverside Park Dr, Kerrville, TX
  • Entry Fee: $75 (Early‑bird $50 if paid by April 4)
  • Registration Deadline: April 4, 2025
  • Register: Leadership Kerr County
  • Contact: Leadership Kerr County — [email protected] | (830) 792‑2233
  • Rules Highlights:
    • IBCA meat‑safety standards
    • Wood‑fueled smokers only
    • Fire‑safety inspection on arrival
  • Judging Categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Pork
  • Camping: Free RV parking (no hookups)
  • Lodging Suggestion: La Quinta Inn & Suites Kerrville or local hotels

 

Howdy‑Roo Chili & Barbecue Cook‑Off – State Championship

  • Date: May 2–3, 2025
  • Location: Quarry Park, 2221 N Phillips Ranch Rd, Granite Shoals, TX
  • Entry Fee: $125 (Early‑bird $100 if paid by April 18)
  • Registration Deadline: April 18, 2025
  • Register: LSBS Event Registration
  • Contact: Lone Star Barbecue Society — [email protected] | (512) 330‑4242
  • Rules Highlights:
    • LSBS-approved meats only
    • Charcoal/wood smokers only
    • Sanitation station required
  • Judging Categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Pork
  • Camping: None on-site
  • Lodging Suggestion: Search Granite Shoals & Marble Falls hotels

 

Smoke On The Hill – State Championship BBQ Cook‑Off

  • Date: June 13–14, 2025
  • Location: Richards Park, 1268 W 6th St, Brady, TX
  • Entry Fee: $200 (Early‑bird $150 if paid by May 30)
  • Registration Deadline: May 30, 2025
  • Register: TourTexas Registration
  • Contact: Brady Chamber of Commerce — (325) 456‑7683 | [email protected]
  • Rules Highlights:
    • IBCA grading sheets
    • Charcoal/wood smokers only
    • Mandatory fire‑guard presence
  • Judging Categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Pork
  • Camping: No on-site camping
  • Lodging Suggestion: Sleep Inn & Suites Brady or local motels

 

Bandera Chamber BBQ Cook‑Off

  • Date: July 11–12, 2025
  • Location: Pioneer RV River Resort, 1202 Maple St, Bandera, TX
  • Entry Fee: $100 (Early‑bird $75 if paid by June 27)
  • Registration Deadline: June 27, 2025
  • Register: Bandera Chamber Events
  • Contact: Bandera Chamber of Commerce — [email protected] | (830) 796‑3653
  • Rules Highlights:
    • Local HACCP guidelines
    • Charcoal/wood smokers only
    • Setup by 8 am both days
  • Judging Categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Pork
  • Camping: Limited on-site RV & tent (no hookups)
  • Lodging Suggestion: Bandera Lodge or local B&Bs

 

Night in Old Fredericksburg – State Championship

  • Date: July 18–19, 2025
  • Location: Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Dr, Fredericksburg, TX
  • Entry Fee: $150 (Early‑bird $125 if paid by July 4)
  • Registration Deadline: July 4, 2025
  • Register: Fairgrounds Registration
  • Contact: Gillespie County Fairgrounds — (830) 997‑3552 | [email protected]
  • Rules Highlights:
    • LSBS & IBCA combined criteria
    • Wood smokers only
    • Mandatory cleanup deposit
  • Judging Categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Pork
  • Camping: RV & tent (no hookups); reserve 6–8 weeks in advance
  • Lodging Suggestion: Bed and Breakfast Fredericksburg Texas

 

Annual Kow Kick – State Championship

  • Date: August 29–30, 2025
  • Location: Schreiner Park, N 1st St, Junction, TX
  • Entry Fee: $175 (Early‑bird $150 if paid by August 15)
  • Registration Deadline: August 15, 2025
  • Register: Kimble County Chamber
  • Contact: Kimble County Chamber of Commerce — (325) 446‑3190 | [email protected]
  • Rules Highlights:
    • LSBS meat‑safety & traceability
    • Charcoal/wood smokers only
    • Site cleanup required on Sunday
  • Judging Categories: Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Pork
  • Camping: RV & tent (no hookups); reserve via chamber
  • Lodging Suggestion: Search Junction area B&Bs and motels

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