FARGO, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Get ready for twice the flavor and double the fun! For the first time ever, the ND BBQ Championship is expanding into a two-day event, happening Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4 at SCHEELS Home & Hardware.
This year’s championship will bring together award-winning pitmasters, local BBQ teams, and food lovers from across the region for a weekend filled with competition, tastings, and live grilling action.
Special Guest Appearance:
On Saturday, October 4, barbecue legend and six-time World Champion Pitmaster Tuffy Stone will be at SCHEELS Home & Hardware signing copies of his cookbook, Cool Smoke: The Art of Great Barbecue. Fans will have the chance to meet “The Professor” himself and take home a signed copy.
Event Schedule:
Friday, October 3
- 2:00–5:00 PM | Intro to Competition BBQ Class: Ribs & Chicken – Taught by Tuffy Stone. Class is limited to 25 participants.
- 5:30–7:30 PM | People’s Choice: Best Beans – FREE – Samples over 20 delicious beans & vote for your favorite. (Sponsored by Northarvest Bean Growers)
- 6:30 PM | 1 Meat Rib Competition (Sponsored by Cashwise)
- 8:00 PM | Awards Ceremony (Day 1)
Saturday, October 4
- 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Vendor Samples & Live Grilling Demos – FREE
- 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | Tuffy Stone Book Signing – Meet the BBQ legend and get a signed copy of Cool Smoke.
- 11:30 AM | People’s Choice: Pulled Pork Platter ($10 to be donated to the United Way of Cass-Clay)
- 12:00 PM | ND BBQ Championship Main Event (In partnership with US Soy/ ND Soybean Council)
- 4:00 PM | Awards Ceremony
“We are thrilled to expand the ND BBQ Championship into a two-day event for the very first time,” said Ashley Wait- Event Organizer. “This year, fans can experience even more food, competition, and excitement—including a chance to meet BBQ icon Tuffy Stone.”
The North Dakota BBQ Championship is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and proclaimed by Governor Armstrong, as the official BBQ competition in the state. Everyone is welcome, so bring your appetite, cast your vote in the People’s Choice contests, and enjoy a weekend of championship-level barbecue.