2nd Annual Catskills Barbecue Competition!

(BACKYARD X 2, RIBS 1-Meat, People’s Choice Wings, Pork Ancillary)

June 6-8, 2025

Featuring The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)

The smell of smoking meat will fill the air at Grahamsville Fairgrounds, Grahamsville NY when the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) brings its world-renowned barbeque contest to Catskills town on Saturday  June 7, 2025 – 11am – 6pm.

With over 16,000 members globally, KCBS sanctions over 300 contests worldwide to promote and celebrate barbeque. The nonprofit organization serves as an invaluable resource for barbeque enthusiasts, providing networking, trend tracking, educational programs and more to share their love of barbeque.

Now Grahamsville will host its own KCBS-sanctioned contest, where the country’s best barbeque pitmasters will compete for glory and bragging rights. The sizzling competition will feature mouthwatering chicken & rib categories prepared low and slow, with secret rubs and sauces.

Grahamsville Little World’s Fair, Grahamsville NY – Map It

  • KCBS Backyard Contest, June 7 (SAT) and/or June 8 (SUN) ENTRY FEE: $180 for 1 contest or $350 for 2 contests (includes Chicken + Ribs categories, previous night’s lodging) — 10 Team Min/Day

  • KCBS 1-Meat Ribs Contest, June 6 (FRI) — ENTRY FEE: $125 (category TOY points) — 6 Team Min

  • People’s Choice Wings Contest, June 7 (SAT) – NO ENTRY FEE, 100 wings provided by sponsor, $300 Prize Purse to Top 3

  • OPTIONAL Pork Ancillary, June 8 (SUN) – ENTRY FEE: $50 — 6 Team Min, $300 Prize Purse to Top 3

FESTIVAL DATE & HOURS

Event

The Catskills Barbeque Festival will feature great BBQ, live music, beer, and all things BBQ, including rubs, sauces and everything you need to become your own backyard BBQ champion!

Chicken Turn-in (PAVILION)

Ribs Turn-in (PAVILION)

People’s Choice Wings Competition (TEAM SITES)

LOCATION

Grahamsville Little World's Fair, 8230 State Route 55, Grahamsville, NY 12740

Where To Stay:

Lodging and Camping suggestions can be found here:
Explore Stay

Official KCBBQ society 2 Meat
Chicken & Ribs Backyard Contest

People Are Competing From All Over Country for Points to Be Included in the Championship at End of Season!

Things to do at Catskills BBQ event

The Catskills Barbeque Contest is a sizzling good time for the whole family!

Entry & Prize Details
Unlock Your Chance to Win

ENTRY FEE

KCBS Member - $100
Amateur- $20

* We provide water, electricity, and on site overnight 6/14-6/15.

CONTEST PRIZES

cooking-barbeque-grill-with-smoke-rising

Category Specific

1st - $150
2nd - $100
3rd - $75
4th - $50
5th - $30

smoke-rising-from-a-grill-with-barbeque-skewers-cooking-over-hot-coals

Overall

Grand Champion - $500 Reserve Champion - $350

Chicken & Ribs, 10 Winners Total

Music Schedule

TBD

Lodging for Contestants and Judges

All Proceeds Go to the Warrior Companion Project!

Warrior Companion is a Texas based nonprofit founded to provide pet insurance for the service animals of disabled veterans.

Disabled veterans often have to sell many personal belongings just to care for their service animal.

This is because disabled veterans that are not 100% service connected disability do not qualify for coverage from the VA for their service animal.

our Sponsors

Presented by M&T Bank & Animal Hospital of Sullivan County!

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Why Attend Catskills BBQ Event?

So, what are you waiting for? fill the contestant form and get a chance to Become a Catskills BBQ Champion!

Saturday June 7, 2025 | 11am – 6pm

Sizzle & Smoke

Bigger & Better - 2nd Annual

Get ready for a KCBS-sanctioned BBQ showdown like no other! Grahamsville Fairgrounds, Grahamsville New York 2nd annual BBQ extravaganza will feature the nation’s finest pitmasters battling for glory in mouthwatering chicken & rib categories. It’s not just a competition – it’s a family-friendly festival with live music, delicious sides and activities for all ages. Witness BBQ perfection while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

News & Announcements