Description

The smoke is rolling, and the competition is heating up! The 2026 National Beef Smokin’ Saddles Official BBQ Contest returns for its 37th year as the premier BBQ competition in Southwest Kansas. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), Oklahoma Barbeque Society (OKBS), and Rocky Mountain BBQ Association (RMBBQA), this sizzling Dodge City Days tradition brings world-class pitmasters to Wright Park to compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes. Come out, take in the sights and smells, and watch some of the best in BBQ battle it out for top honors! Special thanks to our event sponsor, UFCW Local 2. For more information or to register, contact the Dodge City Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 227-3119, email dcdays@dodgechamber.com, or visit dodgecitydays.org. A 2026 Dodge City Days lapel pin is required for entry. Please leave pets at home.

Friday, July 24 – KidsQ Competition

• All Day – KidsQ Registration

• 5:15 PM – KidsQ Cook Meeting

• 5:30 PM – KidsQ Cooking Begins

• 6:30 PM – Slider Turn-In (Kids)

• 7:00 PM – Steak Turn-In (Kids)

• 8:15 PM – KidsQ Awards Ceremony

• 8:30 PM – Cooks Meeting for Saturday (Pro/Backyard)

Saturday, July 25 – Pro & Backyard Competitions

• 12:00 PM – Chicken Turn-In

• 12:30 PM – Ribs Turn-In

• 1:00 PM – Pork Turn-In

• 1:30 PM – Brisket Turn-In

• 2:00 PM – Misc. Turn-In

• 3:00 PM – Backyard & Pitmaster Awards