Fredericksburg Lone Star BBQ Cookoff State Championship

Lone Star BBQ Cookoff State Championship in Fredericksburg TX 2025

Event at a Glance

• Dates: Friday & Saturday, July 18–19, 2025
• Check-in: Begins Friday at 12:00 p.m.
• Award Ceremony: Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Fredericksburg, TX
• Admission: Open to the public; entry fee applies for competitors

Sizzle, Smoke, and Celebration

Get ready for a sizzling showdown at the Lone Star BBQ Cookoff State Championship! Hosted by the Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association, this two-day event brings elite pitmasters to Fredericksburg for a fierce and flavorful competition across categories including brisket, chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and a Jackpot Beans challenge. The stakes are high, the grills are fired up, and the community comes together for a weekend of smoky delights, music, and family fun.

What You’ll Experience

• BBQ Mastery on Display: Support Kansas, Warms, and Parmesan categories like brisket, ribs, chicken, and pulled pork—with VIP access to the fiery action.
• Jackpot Beans Competition: A flavorful side bet to keep the heat rising!
• Award Ceremony: Champions will be celebrated Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
• Festive Fairgrounds Environment: Groove to live music and enjoy vendor offerings and entertainment in the hill country setting.

Why You Should Attend

• Experience BBQ Excellence: See (and taste) why competitors come from all around to prove their pit skills.
• Celebrate Texas Tradition: This sanctioned BBQ championship honors deep-rooted culinary craft and community pride.
• Ideal for All Ages: Bring the family for a weekend filled with bold flavors, camaraderie, and fun.
• Explore Fredericksburg: Extend your visit with charming shops, wineries, and Main Street attractions nearby.

Pro Tips for Visitors

• Arrive Early: Friday check-in begins at noon—catch the opening excitement and get close to the competition.
• Bring Cash & Card: Ideal for food vendors and local stalls on-site.
• Dress for the Day: Fredericksburg summer heat calls for breathable attire and maybe a shade hat.
• Book Lodging in Advance: July weekends in the Hill Country fill up fast—secure your stay early.

A Weekend of Flavor and Community

The Lone Star BBQ Cookoff State Championship is more than competition—it’s a centerpiece of Texas BBQ culture and community celebration. From the first tender bite to crowning the champions, this event serves up tradition, talent, and true Hill Country hospitality.

Save the Dates

Join the festivities on July 18–19, 2025, at Gillespie County Fairgrounds, and bring your appetite for delicious competition. Share your best BBQ moments and support for local pitmasters using #LoneStarBBQCookoff—see you there!