More than 250,000 attendees visit the Houston World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest each year to watch more than 250 teams compete in one of the largest BBQ cookoffs. This year’s event will take place on February 27 through March 1, 2025, at the NRG Center in Houston. This mega bar-b-que contest is a three-day cooking event and competition with loads of fun to help kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is the iconic opening event of the Houston Rodeo, drawing over 250 cooking teams from around the world to compete for top honors in categories like brisket, ribs, chicken, Go Texan, Dutch oven dessert, and the Open Contest. In addition to fierce competition, the event offers live music, entertainment, and a vibrant, unforgettable atmosphere where guests can taste some of the best BBQ around.
This legendary three-day cook-off at NRG Park ignites the passion of barbecue lovers worldwide. Renowned pitmasters from local hotspots like Blood Bros BBQ, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ, and Truth BBQ compete against international challengers from as far as Australia and Germany. Many teams transform their spaces into extravagant-themed party tents, making this more than a competition, it’s a spectacular cookoff event.
While team tents are invitation-only, guests can enjoy delicious barbecue at the public food tents. Try some brisket, sausage, and turkey legs from the Chuckwagon, where food is sold to benefit the Houston Rodeo. Visitors can enjoy several public venues, including The Garden Stage, presented by Miller Lite, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuckwagon. Plus, the Carnival, presented by First Community, is open for wild rides and fun games.
The entertainment will thrill all the guests. The Garden Stage features some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon also features live music and DJ music. An outside patio is available for visitors to enjoy.
Learn more at https://www.rodeohouston.com/worlds-championship-bar-b-que/.
Vitals
- Dates: Thursday, February 27 – Saturday, March 1, 2025
- Schedule: Thursday, Feb. 27 – 5 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28 – 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday, March 1 – 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
- Location: 1 Nrg Park, Houston, TX 77054
- Gates Open: 11 am daily
- Parking: Available onsite, but consider using METRORail or rideshare services for convenience
- Website: https://www.rodeohouston.com/worlds-championship-bar-b-que/
Map to NRG Park and World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
Featured image from Pexels.com
