North Carolina cook-offs
North Carolina's BBQ tradition splits east/west — Eastern NC is whole-hog territory with a thin vinegar sauce, while Western NC favors pork shoulder with a tomato-based sauce. KCBS-sanctioned events run across the state April through October, alongside the regional whole-hog calendar centered around Goldsboro and Wilson.
Donnie O'Bryant Memorial Chili Cookoff
Sat, Sep 26, 2026
Reidsville, NC
Reidsville, NC
Foothills Smoke-Off Challenge
Oct 23 – Oct 24, 2026
Lenoir, NC
Lenoir, NC
The Johnny Wells Smokehouse Steak Spectacular
Fri, Oct 30, 2026
Mount Olive, NC
Mount Olive, NC
The Johnny Wells Smokehouse Steak Spectacular @ Mount Olive, NC
Sat, Oct 31, 2026
Mount Olive, NC
Mount Olive, NC
Grate Sauces and Rubs New Year's Bash Steak Cookoff
Thu, Dec 31, 2026
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro, NC
Rick Manzi Steak Class
Thu, Dec 31, 2026
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro, NC
Grate Sauces and Rubs New Year's Bash Steak Cookoff
Fri, Jan 1, 2027
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro, NC
Grate Sauces and Rubs New Year's Bash Steak Cookoff
Sat, Jan 2, 2027
Goldsboro, NC
Goldsboro, NC
Cook-off Before the Kickoff
Sat, Feb 13, 2027
R & R Brewing
Mt Olive, NC
Dixie Deer Classic Venison Chili Cook-off
Sat, Mar 6, 2027
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Raleigh, NC
Dixie Deer Classic Chili Cook-off
Sun, Mar 7, 2027
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
Raleigh, NC
Newport VFW 8986 Chili Cook-off
Sat, May 1, 2027
Newport VFW 8986
Newport, NC