Grand Junction BBQ Classic Could Be Colorado’s New Food Hit

Colorado is going to try out a new spring tradition, and Grand Junction is going to be the host city. Coming this May, the first Rocky Mountain BBQ Classic at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.

Pitmasters and television personalities will be heading to the Western Slope from shows like BBQ Brawl and Netflix’s BBQ Showdown. Continue scrolling for event details.

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What Is the Rocky Mountain BBQ Classic, and When It Happens

Why is Grand Junction excited for this to become an annual event? Because the Rocky Mountain BBQ Classic will be a KCBS-sanctioned state championship barbecue competition. This means we will watch professional pitmasters compete in categories like brisket, ribs, pork, and chicken under official judging standards.

The Mesa County Fairgrounds are gonna smell mighty tasty May 8-9, 2026, with teams competing for more than $50k in prize money. Winners will have a chance at a $10k grand champion award and a chance to qualify for a larger national competition, such as the American Royal World Series of Barbecue.

Celebrity Pitmasters and BBQ Personalities Visiting Grand Junction

Western Slope fans can look forward to appearances from Kevin Bludso, Lee Ann Whippen, Thryon Mathews, and grilling expert Mary Cressler, along with Stan Hays, founder of Operation BBQ Relief. As the event comes together, plans include television personalities connected to shows like Bar Rescue and competitive BBQ programming. Fans will have a chance to meet chefs, watch them cook live, and learn from pro grilling techniques.

BBQ Competitions, Tastings, and Festival Fun for Visitors

During the event, the Western Slope will have a chance to enter the backyard BBQ contest with amateur grillers cooking for their own prize purse, and a tailgate-style cooking challenge to bring some fast-paced cookoff battles to the event. Expect additional entertainment like food vendors, live music, and entertainment that will turn the competition into a full weekend.

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Source: Grand Junction’s New BBQ Classic Will Bring Celebrity Pitmasters