OVER 100 TEAMS

TEXAS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ COOK-OFF

Smoke, meat, and tradition. Join us April 24-26, 2026 at the Hallettsville Knights of Columbus Hall.

Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 2433

Two Days of Championship Barbecue

The Fiddlers' Frolics BBQ Cook-Off is one of the largest barbecue competitions in South Texas. Teams set up their pits on the grounds of the Knights of Columbus Hall, filling the air with smoke and the smell of slow-cooked meat.

Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a first-time competitor, this is your chance to test your skills against the best.

COMPETITION MENU

Two days of judging. One Grand Champion.

FRIDAY

Evening events

  • KIDS COOKIE CONTEST

    Open to all kids.

  • MARGARITA CONTEST

    TSCFF Margarita Contest.

SATURDAY

Judging begins in afternoon

  • SAUSAGE

    Any type of meat sausage.

  • JACKPOT BEANS

    Pinto beans, cooked your way.

  • BRISKET

    The king of Texas BBQ.

  • GUMBO

    Bring the flavor.

  • KIDS BURGER CHALLENGE

    Benefiting Feed the Need out of La Grange.

SUNDAY

Judging begins in afternoon

  • CHICKEN

    Whole or half birds.

  • PORK RIBS

    Spare ribs done right.

  • GRILLED BEEF STEAK

    Show off your grilling skills.

  • SAUCE

    Optional category.

OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION

Teams must enter all meat categories on Sunday to be eligible.

Scoring: 1st place in meat = 10 pts. 1st place sauce = 5 pts.
Tie-breaker: Highest placing in Brisket.

ENTRY FEES

MINIMUM ENTRY $140

Includes cooking area. If entered with less, must combine with another team.

FULL ENTRY $305

Includes cooking area + 2 Weekend Passes.

Payment Deadline: Friday before the event.

REGISTER TEAM NOW

via Knights of Columbus

COOK-OFF SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

  • Teams begin setup
  • Check-in at KC Annex (BBQ HQ)
  • 7:30 PM: Kids Cookie Contest
  • 7:30 PM: TSCFF Margarita Contest

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

  • 10:00 AM: Cook's Meeting (Pavilion)
  • 3:00 PM: Judging: Sausage, Beans, Brisket, Gumbo
  • 5:00 PM: Awards Presentation

SUNDAY, APRIL 26

  • 10:00 AM: Cook's Meeting (Pavilion)
  • 1:00 PM: Judging: Chicken, Ribs, Steak, Sauce
  • 4:00 PM: Earliest Pit Removal
  • Awards follow judging

COOK-OFF RULES & REGULATIONS

General Rules

  • All meat must be cooked on day of contest.
  • One cut of meat per category.
  • Please see posted schedule at event for turn in times.

Site Rules

  • NO GLASS BOTTLES on grounds.
  • NO OPEN FIRES - extinguishers required.
  • NO DOGS on grounds allowed.
  • No vehicles in cook area except loading/unloading.

Important Deadlines

  • Check in at KC Annex BEFORE moving to site.
  • Entries can be added up to 30 minutes after Cook's Meeting.
  • Team rep must attend ALL Cook's Meetings.
  • No pit removal until 4:00 PM Sunday.

Judging

Each team must provide a judge on Saturday and Sunday.

Decisions of Committee Chairman and Judges are final.

FOR SPECTATORS

You don't have to compete to enjoy! Purchase tokens to sample BBQ from teams and vote for the People's Choice Award. Enjoy free live music at the pavilion.

Outdoor Events are FREE

RV SITES

Make it a full weekend. RV sites are available on the KC Hall grounds. Managed by Hallettsville Knights of Columbus.

Book an RV Site