KCBS Sanctioned One-Meat Pork Ribs Competition
Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the California State Fair
Get ready for a fiery showdown at the California State Fair BBQ Competition! Grill masters from across the state will ignite their barbeques and battle it out for the title of 2026 BBQ champion. Join us for a smokin’ hot event filled with mouthwatering barbeque and a whole lot of flame-kissed fun! KCBS membership is not required. Commercial, Concession and Donor opportunities are available.
2026 CA State Fair BBQ Competition Information & Application *Coming Soon*
2026 Competition Flyer *Coming Soon*
2026 Competition Donor Program – Support the Teams! *Coming Soon*
Sacramento County Temporary Food Facility Operator’s Packet
Fire Marshall Requirements – Carnivals, Fairs, Special Events, Tents, Canopies Rev. 05-19
Applications accepted on a first-come-first-served basis, no later than July 8, 2026.
$150 per team, invoiced after acceptance of application
Teams participating in People’s Choice Judging: Entry Fee waived with purchase of a TFF Health Department Certificate.
Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815
Barbequing & People’s Choice Judging at the CA State Fair Farm.
Awards Presented at the Cooking Theatre, Building B.
Competitors will prepare a minimum of 6 bone-in pork ribs to be judged by a team of qualified KCBS Judges (Official Judging,) and 12 racks of bone-in pork ribs for People’s Choice Judging by fair guests.
Champion…………………$300 & State Fair Golden Bear Trophy
2nd Place.………………….$200 & State Fair Rosette
3rd Place.……………..……$150 & State Fair Rosette
4th Place………………..….$100 & State Fair Rosette
5th Place……………………$75 & State Fair Rosette
People’s Choice Award….$175 & State Fair Rosette
All awards come with one CA State Fair BBQ Apron
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