Ready For BBQ and Music? Welcome to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off and Festival

There’s no better way to welcome a new year or start the rodeo season than with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Cook-Off and Festival. Every January, people from across Texas and around the globe descend on San Antonio to enjoy music, rides, children’s activities, and of course, food, aka mouth-watering BBQ. Here’s the scoop on the SABBQ’s 26th-year celebration that will be held from January 27-28, 2023.

Bar-B-Que Cook-Offs

Competitors of all ages will show their skills at various cook-offs at this year’s SABBQ. Over 300 adult Bar-B-Que teams will go head to head in an International Barbeque Cookers Association championship event that begins Friday, January 27. Our very own Craig Sharry has earned a winning title at the SABBQ more than once (Grand Champion 2010 and 2012. 2013 Reserve Grand Champion). The main categories include chicken, brisket, and pork spare ribs. The Grand Champion will walk away with a large cash prize, Championship buckle, banner, flag, and of course, bragging rights.

Kids cookers from ages 4 – 10 and 11 – 17 will have their chance to wow judges with their skills as well in the Buckaroo Que on Saturday, Jan. 28. Participants will have an hour to prepare a pork chop that’ll be judged on taste, texture, and appearance. Winners receive a buckle and a banner award. 

Also, on the 28th, you can watch high schoolers (in teams of 2 – 5 people) compete for their chance to win a $20,000 scholarship in the Junior Pitmaster Challenge. The categories for the teen teams are identical to those cooked up by the adult competitors.

SABBQ CookOff and Festival Activities

The SABBQ offers plenty of other fun, live music from several bands all day Friday and Saturday. You can also shop vendors, browse the BBQ trade show, enjoy carnival rides, participate in a washer pitching tournament, watch the Bad Boyz Rodeo, and grab some grub from a host of food trucks. Plus, you can let your young ones take part in several free kids’ activities. 

Tickets are $15 per day. Kids 12 and under get in free, as do military personnel. All proceeds from the SABBQ benefit the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and look for Craig among the competing teams. For more information about the SABBQ & Festival or to buy tickets visit SArodeo.com.