Minnesota cook-offs
Minnesota's KCBS-sanctioned BBQ calendar runs June through September, concentrated at county fairs and outdoor festivals from the Twin Cities to the Iron Range. The short cooking season favors quick-turn contests and weekend-only events; teams from the state often travel south through the rest of the year.
KTD Smokn' Gobbler
Jul 10 – Jul 11, 2026
Worthington BBQ Grounds
Worthington, MN
Wheat Trail Burger & Rib Cookoff
Sat, Jul 25, 2026
Goodhue Steak Grounds
Goodhue, MN
Chippewa Valley Ribfest
Aug 7 – Aug 8, 2026
Montevideo BBQ Grounds
Montevideo, MN
Boomer Backyard BBQ Cookoff
Sat, Aug 15, 2026
Canton BBQ Grounds
Canton, MN
MN Masters BBQ
Aug 28 – Aug 29, 2026
Pierz BBQ Grounds
Pierz, MN
Full Throttle Steak Throwdown
Fri, Sep 18, 2026
Elko New Market Steak Grounds
Elko New Market, MN
Full Throttle Steak Throwdown
Sat, Sep 19, 2026
Elko New Market Steak Grounds
Elko New Market, MN
Sugarloaf Steak Showdown
Sat, May 1, 2027
Winona Steak Grounds
Winona, MN