May 1-2, 2026
TOTAL PRIZE PACKAGE IS $15,000!
Held in Downtown Alexandria as part of Alex River Fete, “Que’in on the Red” will once again provide friendly competition among barbecue enthusiasts looking for the top award of Grand Champion! Sanctioned by the Barbecue Competitors Alliance, the competition will include the categories of chicken, pork spare ribs, and beef brisket. As a sanctioned competition, BCA rules and regulations will be followed, including heat sources and judging standards.
The BCA categories will be judged on Saturday, May 2nd, with the Ancillary Contest beginning on Friday, May 1st.
SANCTIONED
General Information & Preliminary Schedule
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, MAY 3
- 8:00 am – Load-in periods begins
- 2:00 pm – Load-in period ends
- 4:00 pm – Festival Opens
- 5:00 pm – Official Cooks Meeting
- 7:00 pm – Anything But Judging begins (desserts and jambalaya)
SATURDAY, MAY 4
- 10:00 am – Festival gate opens
- 10:00 am – Judges Check-In
- 11:00 am – Whole Hog Judging
- 12:00 pm – Meat judging starts with chicken (other times depend on number of cooks).
- 4:30 pm – Awards
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, MAY 3
- 8:00 am – Load-in periods begins
- 2:00 pm – Load-in period ends
- 4:00 pm – Festival Opens
- 5:00 pm – Official Cooks Meeting
- 7:00 pm – Anything But Judging begins (desserts and jambalaya)
SATURDAY, MAY 4
- 10:00 am – Festival gate opens
- 10:00 am – Judges Check-In
- 11:00 am – Whole Hog Judging
- 12:00 pm – Meat judging starts with chicken (other times depend on number of cooks).
- 4:30 pm – Awards