Tickets on Sale Now for the 26th Annual Hub City BBQ Cookoff

It’s that time of year again, Lubbock—smoke in the air, the smell of brisket drifting across town, and folks getting hungry just thinking about it. The 26th Annual Hub City BBQ Cookoff is back Thursday, October 2nd, from 5–8 p.m. at the Panhandle South Plains Fairgrounds, and tickets are officially on sale.

READ MORE: A Smokin' Good Time! Pics and Winners from the 2024 Hub City BBQ!

This yearly tradition, presented by West Texas Land Guys and backed by United Supermarkets, brings together nearly 100 cooking teams and thousands of hungry Red Raiders, families, and food lovers for one of the biggest parties of the fall!

BBQ + Live Music = Lubbock’s Sweet Spot

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Hub City event without live music. Things kick off at 5 p.m. with SAL & The Stonewall Hippies, who always bring the energy with a mix of originals and country favorites. Then at 6:30, fan-favorite The Spur 327 Band takes the stage. If you’ve ever seen these guys, you know they pay tribute to classic country, Panhandle heroes, and the kind of legendary West Texas sound that makes you proud to call this place home.

A New Twist on Judging

For the first time, the cookoff is introducing a brand-new judging system. The competition will be overseen by Melody Vinson, a Head Judge with the International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA). Vinson brings years of experience and a reputation for fairness, and she’s promising a mix of tradition and innovation when it comes to scoring brisket, ribs, desserts, Bloody Marys, and more!

How to Get In

If you’ve got a team itching to show off your BBQ chops, registration closes Monday, September 15th, but keep in mind—you’ve got to be a Lubbock Chamber of Commerce member to compete.

READ MORE: Tailgating at The Jones: Where Red Raiders Always Win

For everyone else, tickets are $50 and can be purchased through the Chamber’s website. A heads up: no tickets will be sold at the gate, and yes, the event follows a clear bag policy.

More Than Just BBQ

For 26 years, the Hub City BBQ Cookoff has been more than just a food competition—it’s been about community. As Sidney Hopper from United Supermarkets put it:

Barbecue has a way of gathering folks around the table, and this cookoff does the same for Lubbock—bringing people together in celebration, camaraderie, and fun.

If that doesn’t sum up why we love this event, I don’t know what does!