Visitor Information
We Love Visitors! Each year the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest entertains visitors from around the world. In 2008, visitors came from 49 states and 8 foreign countries.
For 2009, we expect the same and more. If you're planning on visiting the event, please take advantage of the following programs and events for visitors.
While local codes prohibit teams from selling barbecue to the general public, you can still taste plenty of real championship barbecue. Visit the People's Choice tent on Thursday or Friday and YOU can be a judge. For more information, see below.
2009 Sharp Stage Entertainment - Enjoy nightly performances of country, R&B and blue grass music on the Sharp Main Stage.
Thursday, May 14
- 5:30 - Official Lighting of the Grill
- 6:00 - Ms Piggie Idol Contest
- 8:00 - Ms Piggie Finalists
Friday, May 15
- 6:30 - Awards for Best Booth, Team Shirt, Anything But Competition, Sauce, Wings & Baked Beans
- 7:30 - Ralph Stanley & Clinch Mountain
- 9:15 - Simplified
Saturday, May 16
- 6:00 - Comedy Tennessee
- 6:30 - Awards Ceremony
- 8:00 - Bobby "Blue" Bland
Kingsford People’s Choice Judging
Put yourself in the judge's seat as you sample barbecue from award winning teams. Here's how it works. Purchase a sample kit as you enter the Kingsford People's Choice tent and pick the best of the best. Staff will be on hand to assist you if you have any judging questions. Click here for more info.
Cooker Caravan
Want to know how barbecue is perfectly done? Sign up for the Cooker Caravan, a free guided tour of the teams, and “rub shoulders” with the best of the best in barbecue. Your guided tour will include cooking information, a chance to see a variety of specialty grills and smokers, and tips on how to improve your backyard barbecue. Click here for more info.
Ms Piggie Idol
If the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is so cool it's indescribable, then the Ms. Piggie Competition is off the charts! Imagine, if it's not too painful, grown men dressed in tutus and snouts parading around the stage and 'singing' (which is a generous term) familiar songs, with very unfamiliar lyrics...lyrics having to do with pork, grilling, and the whole sport of barbecue. Click here for more info.