South Carolina cook-offs
South Carolina BBQ is defined by mustard-based sauce — a regional tradition unique to the state, running through the central midlands from Columbia to the Sandhills. KCBS-sanctioned contests run April through October across the state, and the South Carolina BBQ Trail anchors a year-round culinary tourism scene around the four traditional sauce regions.
South Carolina Festival of Discovery
Jul 9 – Jul 11, 2026
Greenwood Visitors Bureau and Arts Center
Greenwood, SC
MBN Judge Class 2026 – Greenwood, MS
Sat, Aug 22, 2026
Greenwood Visitors Bureau and Arts Center
Greenwood, SC
MBN Judge Class 2026 – Greenwood, MS
Sat, Aug 22, 2026
Greenwood Visitors Bureau and Arts Center
Greenwood, SC
Uniquely Union
Sep 11 – Sep 12, 2026
Union BBQ Grounds
Union, SC
Hellhole Swamp Festival
Oct 16 – Oct 17, 2026
Jamestown BBQ Grounds
Jamestown, SC
Carolinas Chili Championship
Sat, Oct 24, 2026
Chili Cook-off Festival Grounds
Indian Land, SC
Chili Masters Showdown
Sun, Oct 25, 2026
Chili Cook-off Festival Grounds
Indian Land, SC