Mississippi cook-offs
Mississippi's BBQ tradition is deep — slow-smoked pork shoulder and ribs are the regional staples. The state's calendar runs March through October with KCBS-sanctioned contests across the state; the Memphis Barbecue Network calendar also spills across the state line from Tennessee.
Water Valley Trains Track Pork Attack BBQ Contest
Jul 31 – Aug 1, 2026
Water Valley BBQ Grounds
Water Valley, MS
Magnolia Steak Cookoff
Fri, Aug 21, 2026
Hernando Steak Grounds
Hernando, MS
Magnolia Steak Cookoff
Sat, Aug 22, 2026
Hernando Steak Grounds
Hernando, MS
Delta State University 41st Annual Pig Pickin’
Sep 4 – Sep 5, 2026
Cleveland BBQ Grounds
Cleveland, MS
Alcorn County Fair Steak Cookoff
Sat, Sep 19, 2026
Corinth Steak Grounds
Corinth, MS
The Great Ruleville Roast
Sep 25 – Sep 26, 2026
Ruleville BBQ Grounds
Ruleville, MS
MS Delta Barbecue State Championship/Cleveland Octoberfest
Oct 9 – Oct 10, 2026
Cleveland BBQ Grounds
Cleveland, MS
Southaven Fall Fest Steak Cookoff
Fri, Oct 9, 2026
Southaven Steak Grounds
Southaven, MS
Southaven Fall Fest Steak Cookoff
Sat, Oct 10, 2026
Southaven Steak Grounds
Southaven, MS
Smokin’ the Coast
Oct 30 – Oct 31, 2026
Biloxi BBQ Grounds
Biloxi, MS
Shake, Rattle, and Roll Steak & BBQ Cookoff
Fri, Oct 30, 2026
Tupelo Steak Grounds
Tupelo, MS
Shake, Rattle, and Roll Steak & BBQ Cookoff
Sat, Oct 31, 2026
Tupelo Steak Grounds
Tupelo, MS
Mississippi State Championship
Fri, Feb 19, 2027
Hernando Steak Grounds
Hernando, MS
Mississippi State Championship
Sat, Feb 20, 2027
Hernando Steak Grounds
Hernando, MS