The National Barbecue & Grilling Association (NBBQA) brings the heat with the NBBQA Live Fire Experience Series. This new competition BBQ series celebrates open-fire cooking, competition, and the people who love to cook over flames. The series kicks off with Nashville Fire & Flavor. The event takes place at Travellers Rest Historic House Museum in Nashville, TN between September 11-12, 2026.
The NBBQA Live Fire Experience Series goes beyond competition. It brings pitmasters, backyard cooks, and BBQ fans together around the fire. Attendees can watch teams battle it out and learn live-fire cooking techniques. Pros like Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q and Carey Bringle of Peg Leg Porker will share their expertise. Guests can also sample fresh-off-the-flames creations, enjoy live music, and connect with fellow BBQ and grilling enthusiasts.
Where to enjoy the NBBQA Live Fire Experience Series
After Nashville, the series heads to Greenwood, SC. Greenwood Smoke & Sear takes place October 9th and 10th. The series then moves to Byhalia, MS, for the Byhalia Live Fire Experience on November 13th and 14th.
Each event will showcase live-fire cooking and fierce competition. Guests can also enjoy food samples, cooking demonstrations, vendors, and community activities. Each stop will highlight the unique barbecue culture of its region.
How to compete in the NBBQA Live Fire Experience Series
Interested in competing? Each event accepts just 10 teams. Competitors will battle through three rounds. The lineup includes the crowd-judged Tailgate Party, Anything Pork + Sides, and Anything Beef + Sides categories.
Organizers will award cash prizes to the top three finishers in each category. Additional cash prizes will go to the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. Teams must cook everything over live fire. Enclosed cookers are not allowed.
How to attend the NBBQA Live Fire Experience as a guest
Want to attend the Nashville event as a guest? You’ll get a front row seat to live-fire cooking demonstrations and head-to-head competition while also enjoying food samples, vendors, and community activities that celebrate the unique barbecue culture of Nashville. Several ticket packages are available.
Gear up for the 2027 NBBQA Live Fire Championship
All three regional Live Fire events will also qualify the competitors for the 2027 NBBQA Live Fire Experience Series’ Championship. NBBQA will announce additional championship details in the coming months. Competitors can start working now toward a spot in what promises to be the country’s premier showcase of live-fire cooking talent.
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