Best July BBQ Contests

For meat eaters and, to a lesser extent, vegetarians, cooking outside using a grill, pit, smoker or a combination of this backyard culinary equipment is the epitome of summertime. The smell of slow-cooking meat in summertime, whether a brisket lovingly cooked for hours, July 4^th hotdogs or simply a well-marinated chicken, is a chance to show off and make your neighbors jealous. Contrary to popular belief or past practices, it’s something women enjoy as much as men.

Taking this to another level is the barbeque competition. While for many that just screams the south United States, it’s just not the case and July offers outdoor cooking competitions all around the world.

While there are dozens of smaller competitions held each year, there are some simply worth more mention than others based on their size, beer offerings, accompanying concerts or history.

To prove the point BBQ is not limited to the South and Texas, Bristol, in England, will be hosting its sixth annual Grillstock, which is the largest BBQ event and live music offering in the UK and this year even features live music from The Stranglers.

In NYC, specifically at Roy Wilkins Park, more than 20,000 will gather for a three-day celebration of Caribbean food and music at the 7^th Annual American Jerk Festival.

While Texans or South Carolinians will argue they have the best BBQ, Kansas City is certainly known for its stockyards and its own unique BBQ offerings. This will be highlighted July 30, at Pig & Swig, an event focused on pork, beer and bourbon in the heart of downtown.