Colorado BBQ Challenge

2021 Colorado BBQ Challenge – Canceled

Due to ongoing public health orders and conditions, the Town of Frisco has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Colorado BBQ Challenge, originally scheduled for June 17-19. After postponing and then canceling the event in 2020 due the pandemic, the Town of Frisco had hoped that this event could be held in 2021 to honor what is now a 28-year-old tradition. Current public health orders allow for outdoor events with a maximum of 175 participants, and the next phase of public health orders moves that maximum attendance to 250 attendees. While case data is improving and vaccination rates are rising, it has become clear that there is no realistic way to drastically reduce BBQ event attendance in order to respect and protect the public’s health during this popular event, which typically draws 12,000-14,000 attendees over two days.

About the Frisco BBQ Challenge – Best BBQ in Colorado!

The Annual Frisco BBQ Challenge is the best BBQ you will have in Colorado. Of course, there is more to the BBQ Challenge than delicious BBQ; there are free concerts, pig races, a 6k with a bacon aid station, chef demos, street performers, a firefighter cook-off, a whiskey tour, and a charming Main Street setting surrounded by mountains and a beautiful lake.

This IS your grandfather’s BBQ fest; he would love it here in Frisco!

Free Entry & Pay for Everything Else with Hogbacks

• Entry into the festival is free.
• Hogback tickets can be purchased at ticket booths throughout the event. $1 = 1 Hogback
• There are no cash vendors on the street and Hogbacks are good for everything from beer to BBQ to berry kabobs.
• Hogbacks can be used after the event at merchants in Frisco throughout the weekend. A list of merchants accepting hogbacks will be available at ticket booths and at the Visitor Information Center.
• Hogback ticket purchases are non-refundable.
• Most food on the street costs between 5 and 12 hogbacks. Food choices vary from from salmon and shrimp to ribs and Philly cheese steaks. Many vendors offer full plates including sides.
• Hogback tickets can also be pre-purchased online starting in late and picked up at will call (Visitor Information Center at 300 Main Street) on Thursday, June 17, Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19 from 9:00am-8:00pm.

Pets

Frisco loves pets, especially dogs, but NOT at the BBQ Challenge. It’s busy, food laden, and plain uncomfortable for anyone at knee level. The BBQ Challenge organizers and volunteers implore pet lovers to leave Fido, Commander, Fluffy and the rest of the gang on the couch during the BBQ Challenge and NOT in their cars or at the event. There will be no pets allowed on the street, sidewalks or parks in the event site. Your best fur buddy and your friendly BBQ staff and volunteers thank you!

How Did A BBQ Festival Start in Frisco?

The first official state BBQ challenge was held in Frisco, Colorado in 1993, with only 12 teams – split almost 50-50 between Frisco-area professional and amateur chefs. During the first few years, the event was held in the Historic Park eventually growing to encompass two blocks of Main Street.  Now 28-years-old, Frisco’s event has typically extended over six blocks of Main Street and can attract over 12,000 people.

Over the years the Town of Frisco has partnered with many non-profits to put on the event and has raised over $800,000 for those organizations.  The BBQ Challenge creates an outlet for other local non-profits to raise funds for their organization.

The Colorado BBQ Challenge is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned competition. KCBS sanctions BBQ and Grilling competitions across the U.S. and promotes barbeque as America’s cuisine.  In addition, KCBS has an extensive Certified Barbeque Judging program.  It is the largest society of barbeque enthusiasts in the world.  Winners of the Colorado BBQ Challenge in Frisco are eligible to compete in the American Royal – the “World Series” of Barbecue.

Volunteer & Help the Magic Happen

Volunteers are the backbone of the Colorado BBQ Challenge in Frisco. Literally, our volunteers do everything from selling beer to moving tables to helping out with registration and selling t-shirts. We could not produce this event without the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time year after year.

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Colorado BBQ Challenge Facebook Page for updates on this year’s event!  Share your memories with us as well.