BBQ Competitor Registration

Smoke & Iron BBQ Competition Form - 2026

Fields marked with an * are required

July 31st - August 1st 2026, Benton County Fairgrounds - Bentonville AR

Team Name

Head Cook

Multi-line address

Country/Region

Address

City

Zip / Postal code

Phone

Head Cook's KCBS Membership # (if applicable)

Have you competed in a KCBS contest in the past?

Yes

Upload your Team Logo

Description of cook site/accommodations request:

Include size of area needed and note if your size requires a space larger that 20 x 50 feet. Size is not unlimited, but we will attempt to accommodate your team’s specific size needs. We cannot guarantee placement in a certain area or near another team, but you may request it below and we will attempt to accommodate.

Do you need electricity?

Yes

NOTE: Electricity is not included with the registration fee. Teams may use their own generators or purchase electricity (110-volt, 20-amp power source... DO NOT ASK FOR MORE) for an additional fee of $100.00. Teams are responsible for supplying their own power cords.

T-Shirt Size (included with the registration):

Does you team want to participate in the public sampling/public vending on Friday and Saturday?

Yes

Registration Fees: Please check the categories you plan to compete in. Sign up before 11:59 p.m. on July 1st, 2026 to receive the Early Bird Registration fee of $200 for the KCBS Sanctioned Categories of Chicken, Ribs, Pork and Brisket! You may change your selections up until 5:00 p.m. on July 14th, 2026. Please let us know by email.

As Head Cook, I have read and reviewed the event terms and conditions.

Terms and Conditions

Registration Fee

$200

This is the registration fee for the 1st Annual Smoke & Iron Festival.

Let's get your team registered

COMPETE FOR THE PRIZE

This contest offers six (6) categories. First, there are the KCBS-sanctioned categories: chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. The entry fee for these four (4) categories is $200.00 for all registrations received on or before July 1st, 2026. The entry fee for registrations received on or after July 1st, 2026 will be $250.00.

On Friday night, two (2) additional unsanctioned categories, Appetizers and Desserts, will be offered for competition and sampling by attendees. On Saturday, the four (4) KCBS-sanctioned categories, will be offered: chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. The non-sanctioned categories are a winner take all in each category.

This contest will offer a People’s Choice Public Tasting on Friday, July 31st, 2026, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Each Team participating in the Public Tasting gets $1.00 for every ticket collected on Friday and Saturday. All tickets are due by 8:30 p.m. on Friday and by 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The team with the most tickets will be declared our People’s Choice Winner and will receive a free entry into next year’s competition. Teams are free to cook whatever they like to serve to the public.