Iowa cook-offs
Iowa's KCBS-sanctioned BBQ calendar runs June through October at county fairs and outdoor festivals across the state. The Des Moines and Sioux City metros anchor the larger contests; smaller backyard-series events fill the regional schedule through the warm months. The Iowa State Fair grounds host BBQ events alongside the broader fair calendar each August.
Event · EVT-0071
★ Champ
10th Annual E'burg BBQ Contest
Jul 24 – Jul 25, 2026
Americas Best Value Inn Suburban Motel
Emmetsburg, IA
Event · EVT-0082
★ Champ
Cruisin' and BBQin'
Jul 31 – Aug 1, 2026
Hampton BBQ Grounds
Hampton, IA
Payout$9.8K
Event · EVT-0434
American Workers Steak Cookoff
Sun, Sep 6, 2026
Mason City Steak Grounds
Mason City, IA
Event · EVT-0137
★ Champ
Tri City BBQ Fest
Sep 18 – Sep 19, 2026
Denison BBQ Grounds
Denison, IA
Payout$13.2K
Event · EVT-0173
★ Champ
King of the Corn
Oct 16 – Oct 17, 2026
Ottumwa BBQ Grounds
Ottumwa, IA
Payout$10K
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