Since Pigfest came to Lakeland in 1997, we’ve been proud to partake in the Southeastern tradition of the BBQ cookoff and give chefs a place to show off their skills.
Now, we’re proud to announce the second annual TRIPLE CROWN of BBQ, a chance to compete across three major competitions and take home the TRIPLE CROWN and a $1,500 GRAND PRIZE!
Prizes
Triple Crown
- Grand prize: $1,500 for overall highest points
- Second place: $1,000
- Third place: $500
The Competitions
Pigfest
Lakeland, FL
January 23-24, 2026
Pigfest is Central Florida’s oldest BBQ competition, where teams gather to enjoy friends and family, give back to local charities, and above all else, have some delicious BBQ. This year, join us for the 29th annual Pigfest competition and the first round of the Triple Crown!
Ribs on the Ridge
Haines City, FL
Feb 20-21, 2026
The 18th annual Ribs on the Ridge cookoff brings amateur and professional chefs alike, gathering for a day in Lake Eva Park for great food and a great time. Enter for the chance to win cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights for the winners, during the second leg of the Triple Crown!
Pitmasters in Paradise
Auburndale, FL
April 24-25, 2026
This inaugural BBQ cookoff at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale will be the third and final leg of the Triple Crown. Winners will be crowned and cash prizes will be awarded for bragging rights at this event.
What It Takes to Win
HOW TO ENTER: Competition teams must participate in all three of the Triple Crown BBQ events — all Kansas City BBQ Society-sanctioned events.
SCORING: Kansas City BBQ Society scoring will be in effect for all events and teams will accumulate points based on their finishing position. The winning BBQ competition team will achieve the highest accumulated point total across all three events.
WHO WILL CLAIM THE CROWN? The winner will be announced at the Ribs on the Ridge in Haines City in February of 2024 where they will win the inaugural TRIPLE CROWN!
