Learn How The Competition works

“Put Your Meat Where Your Mouth Is” is not your typical BBQ cook-off – it’s an amateur grill master competition where creativity, technique, and flavor decide who deserves the title of Grand Champion.

Here’s how the competition is structured:

Contestants: We’ve invited 10 of Utah’s boldest amateur grill masters (individuals or two-person teams) to compete. These are talented home cooks and local BBQ enthusiasts ready to prove their skills. Each contestant has prepared their own selection of ingredients and recipes in advance – no surprise baskets here. They’ll truly be putting their best meat forward!

Three Rounds:

The competition is divided into three themed rounds, each with a strict time limit and a specific course to impress the judges:

Round 1 – Appetizer (“Fire Starter Bites”) – Time: ~25 minutes.

Challenge: Create a mouth-watering grilled or smoked appetizer that sets the tone for your BBQ style. Small bites with big flavor!

Round 2 – Entrée (“Put Your Meat Where Your Mouth Is”) – Time: ~45 minutes.

Challenge: The centerpiece round focusing on the main course. Contestants must deliver a bold, protein-forward BBQ entrée that defines their grill mastery. This is where the pitmasters really show off with perfectly cooked meats and creative sides.

Round 3 – Dessert (“Sweet Heat Finale”) – Time: ~25 minutes.

Challenge: Yes, dessert on the grill! Contestants must craft a fire-inspired dessert, incorporating grilling, smoking, or charring to cap off the meal with something sweet (and maybe a little heat).

APPLY NOW TO COMPETE

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Live-Fire Cooking:

All cooking must be done live on charcoal grills, smokers, or open flames at the event. Each round, you’ll see grills blazing and creativity flowing. Contestants are required to use the grill or smoker in every dish, even for the dessert round – so expect some innovative techniques!

Side Competition:

This event isn’t only about the three-course meal. We’re also hosting a side contest open to participants: Best Sauce. These allow our pitmasters (or even other local cooks, if interested) to put forward their single best barbecue sauce recipes. The winner earns a special trophy and a prize (plus plenty of bragging rights). Think you make a sauce that can beat the rest in Utah? This is your chance to prove it!

Judging & Scoring:

A panel of 10 judges – composed of local foodies, guest judges, and BBQ fans will evaluate each dish. Judging follows a point-based system each round, looking at key criteria: Taste, Creativity/Concept, Technique/Execution, Texture/Doneness, and Presentation.

Awards & Prizes

Contestant-Designed Baskets:

In this Competition, each contestant brings their own ingredients for each round in a pre-prepared “basket.” This means they choose the proteins, produce, and secret spices that best showcase their style.

APPLY NOW TO COMPETE

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the “Put Your Meat Where Your Mouth Is” BBQ Competition?

A: It’s Utah’s newest BBQ competition and festival – a one-day event where amateur grill masters compete in a three-round cooking Competition (Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert) in front of live judges and audience. Alongside the competition, there are food vendors, live music, and fun activities for all ages. It’s both a cooking contest and a community food festival rolled into one delicious package.

Q: When and where is the event taking place?

A: The BBQ Competition will take place on July 12, 2026 (a Sunday) at 154 West Main Street, American Fork, UT 84003. This is in downtown American Fork – an easily accessible location with plenty of parking nearby. Gates open at 11:00 AM and the event runs through the afternoon (approximately until 5:00 PM). The event will happen rain or shine.

Q: How much are tickets and what’s included?

A: General Admission tickets are free and include entry to the event, where you can enjoy all the music, vendor shopping, and watch the competition. Food and drinks from vendors are purchased separately. VIP tickets are $75 and include entry plus a host of extras: reserved grill-side viewing area, food vendor tasting tickets, an exclusive swag bag, and other perks like a faster check-in and VIP cooling tent. If you really want to immerse yourself (and pamper yourself a bit), VIP is the way to go. We also have a limited number of Judge Passes (pricing TBA) if you want to be an official judge with food samples included. Kids 12 and under are free (GA) with an adult.

Q: Where can I buy tickets? Can I buy at the door?

A: Tickets will be sold online through our website (find the link on our official website and social pages). We strongly recommend buying in advance because there is a capacity limit and we expect to sell out, especially for VIP and Judge spots. If any tickets remain, we will sell them at the entrance on the day of the event, but there’s no guarantee – this event has generated a lot of buzz! To secure your spot, it’s best to purchase early. Ticket sales are planned to go live on March 1, 2026.

Q: Is this event family-friendly?

A: Absolutely! This is a community event open to all ages. We’ll have activities for kids (games, bounce house, etc.) and plenty of non-spicy, kid-friendly food options. The live music and atmosphere will be enjoyable for young and old alike. It’s a perfect outing for BBQ-loving families.

Q: Can I compete in the BBQ Competition?

A: If you’re an amateur griller and think you’ve got the chops (or the ribs) to win, we’d love to see you throw your hat in the ring! Competitor applications will be available on our website. Remember, space is extremely limited for contestants (only a handful will be selected), so not everyone will get to compete this year. We want the best variety of cooks for a great show. Good luck – may the best grill master win!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO COMPETE

Q: What about the Best Sauce contest? Can anyone enter those?

A: Great question. The Best Sauce competition is a side attraction we’re hosting. The sauce contest is likely open to anyone (whether you’re a restaurant, a home cook, or a team’s grandma with a killer recipe!). You’d need to register in advance so we can schedule the judging. You’ll submit samples of your homemade sauce to be tasted by a small panel of judges (possibly including some audience choice voting). Prizes will be awarded to the winner. This side contest adds extra flavor to the event (pun intended!) and let more people show off their skills.

Q: What should I bring to the event?

A: If you’re attending as a spectator, here are a few tips on what to bring:

Printed or Mobile Tickets VIP ticket: Have your ticket QR code ready on your phone or printed out for smooth entry.

Cash/Card: Most vendors will accept credit/debit cards, but it’s always wise to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in case of spotty internet for card readers. There will be lots of tempting food and drinks!

Sunscreen and Hat: It is July and we’ll mostly be outdoors. Protect yourself from the sun so you can enjoy the whole day. There will be some tents and shaded areas, but you’ll likely be in the sun at times.

Comfortable Shoes & Attire: You’ll be on your feet, walking around, maybe dancing to music – so wear comfy sneakers or sandals. Dress for a summer day. (Aprons optional but you might get inspired to wear your BBQ gear!)

Appetite: Come hungry! With all the amazing BBQ around, you’ll want to taste a bit of everything.

Reusable Water Bottle: We will have water stations for free refills. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if it’s hot or if you’re enjoying alcoholic beverages. (No outside alcohol allowed, though.)

We’ll have first aid on site for any minor needs, and an info booth if you have questions during the event. Outside food/drinks are not allowed (we’ve got plenty inside).

Q: What if it rains or the weather is bad?

A: The event is rain or shine. We’re prepared to continue even if there’s a light summer shower – a little rain won’t douse our grills! We have contingency plans, such as tents and canopies, to keep key areas dry. In the unlikely event of severe weather that could affect safety (like a major storm), we would delay or pause the event until it’s safe to resume. We’ll communicate with attendees via announcements and our social media if any schedule changes occur. But generally, plan for the event to happen regardless of weather. Keep an eye on the forecast and dress appropriately (maybe keep an umbrella or poncho in your car just in case).

Q: Will there be parking available?

A: Yes, there is ample parking in downtown American Fork. The venue address (154 West Main) is near several public parking lots and street parking areas. We will send a parking guide to ticket holders before the event. Parking is free. We will have volunteers assisting with directing cars if needed. If you live nearby, you might consider carpooling, walking, or cycling, as Main Street can get a bit congested with event traffic. For those coming from Salt Lake City or Provo areas, it’s an easy drive on I-15 to American Fork. Follow the signs to the event once you arrive – we’ll have those posted.

Q: Is the event handicap accessible?

A: We strive to make the event accessible to everyone. The Main Street venue area is relatively flat, paved or grassy ground. There will be ADA-compliant portable restrooms. If you have specific accessibility needs, feel free to contact us ahead of time so we can assist (e.g., reserving a spot for wheelchair viewing, etc.). Our volunteers at the entrance or info booth can also help on the day of. We want all BBQ lovers to enjoy the Competition!

Q: I have a question that’s not answered here. How can I contact the organizers?

A: For any inquiries, please reach out to us via email at info@sipandvibeslc.com. You can also contact Queen Hollidae or Sip and Vibe SLC through our websites or social media pages (we’re quite responsive on Instagram and Facebook). We’ll be happy to answer any other questions you have, whether it’s about competing, sponsoring, or attending.