start the 2026 competition season in music city!
On March 20–21, 2026, Smoke on the Shores will return to Nashville (Lebanon, TN) with a 100-team professional BBQ competition and a 50-team backyard BBQ competition, both sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbecue enthusiasts, with over 16,000 members and more than 400 sanctioned events annually. Smoke on the Shores brings together top pitmasters in a premier competition that celebrates the craft of championship barbecue. Our mission is to deliver an unforgettable event that fosters camaraderie, showcases barbecue excellence, and supports meaningful causes.
Team and Judge Registration is OPEN
KCBS PROFESSIONAL BBQ Competition ($275)
Smoke on the Shores BBQ Championship will host professional BBQ competition teams from across the U.S. to compete in four categories: Ribs, Chicken, Pork and Brisket. These professional BBQ teams will compete for prize money totaling over $10,000.
KCBS BACKYARD BBQ Competition ($200)
In addition to the professional competition, Smoke on the Shores will host a backyard competition. The backyard competition will be a (3) meat competition - chicken, ribs, & pork. We expect 50 backyard teams from all over to come compete for prize money totaling $5,000.
KCBS Friday Night Challenges ($100 each)
And finally, this year we’re excited to host a Friday Night Rib and Chicken Challenge! Each competition will feature $1,500 in prize money. Both professional and backyard teams are welcome to compete, and active KCBS teams will earn Team of the Year points in the rib and chicken categories. Winners will also receive an invitation to the Rib and Chicken Finals at the KCBS World Invitational in May.
Team & Judge Registration is OPEN!
