Events and Activities : Iowa Pork Barbecue Competition Calls Backyard Grill Masters to Show Their Skills

Are you the king or queen of backyard barbecue? It's time to put your skills to the test! Amateur grillers from across Iowa are invited to showcase their talent at the backyard BBQ competition, part of the BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark event this summer in Des Moines.

Presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Iowa Cubs, the third-annual BBQ & Brew is a fun-filled, charitable event happening Saturday, June 21at Principal Park. Open to the public, attendees will enjoy mouthwatering Iowa pork, locally brewed craft beers, live music, and expert cooking demonstrations-all while supporting food pantries across the state.

A Chance to Win Big & Earn Bragging Rights

"This event is all about celebrating Iowa's love for pork and barbecue," said Aaron Juergens, IPPA president and a pig farmer from Carroll. "It's a great opportunity for backyard pitmasters to step up, show off their barbeque techniques, and compete for top honors-and some serious cash."

The all-pork BBQ & Brew Contest will award nearly $12,000 in total prizes, with competitors vying for top spots in three categories: pork loin, pork butt, and St. Louis-style ribs. Cash prizes will go to the top 10 overall competitors, as well as the top 10 finishers in each category. Certified judges will evaluate entries based on appearance, taste, and tenderness.



But the competition doesn't stop there! BBQ & Brew attendees will have the chance to taste samples from the competitors and vote for their favorites in the People's Choice Contest, where winners will receive:

* $1,000 cash

* $1,000 to donate to a hunger-relief charity of their choice

Sign Up & Fire Up the Grill

Registration is now open for teams to claim one of just 30 competition spots. The entry fee is $250 per team. The deadline to enter is May 16.Once spots are filled, a waiting list will be available.

BBQ & Brew admission tickets will be available for purchase soon.

For full competition details and to register, visit iowapork.org/bbq-brew.