News Summary
San Antonio has officially kicked off its rodeo season with the 28th annual Stock Show and Rodeo Barbecue Cookoff and Festival. The event is expected to attract up to 25,000 attendees eager to savor delicious barbecue as 320 teams compete for top honors. Not only will there be a fierce competition in various categories like brisket and ribs, but attendees can also enjoy live music and other festivities. With teams from local areas and beyond, this festival celebrates the diverse flavors and camaraderie of barbecue culture.
San Antonio Kicks Off Rodeo Season with Flavor and Fun
Get ready, San Antonio! The city is buzzing with excitement as the 28th annual Stock Show and Rodeo Barbecue Cookoff and Festival has kicked off, marking the official start of rodeo season. This exciting event is expected to draw in anywhere from 15,000 to 25,000 enthusiastic attendees, all eager to indulge in some of the finest barbecue around while enjoying great music and festive activities.
A Battle of the Barbecuers
This year, a whopping 320 teams are firing up their grills and smokers to showcase their culinary skills in a fierce cookoff. The competition is intense, with teams vying for top honors in various categories such as brisket, chicken, and ribs. The judges have a tough job ahead of them, as they will assess each team’s barbecue based on aroma, taste, appearance, and texture. Talk about pressure!
Meet the Champs
Among the competitors, the popular team Wack’em and Stack’em stands out, having been part of this event since it first began. Led by Chief Cook James Kinney, this San Antonio-based team has quite the trophy collection under their belt, showcasing their dominant presence in the cookoff scene. What’s even more heartwarming is that their participation goes beyond just cooking; they raise money for children and scholarship opportunities with every barbecue bite they serve.
The Global Connection
Excitement is not just limited to Texas teams, as participants from Puerto Rico, like Jose Charneco and his crew, have also made their way to San Antonio to join the festivities. They emphasize the beauty of camaraderie and learning that happens when teams from different locations come together to share their passion for barbecue. It’s truly a melting pot of flavors and cultures!
A Feast for Everyone
For those planning to attend, get your taste buds ready! Attendees will have the chance to sample mouth-watering barbecue from numerous competing teams, making it a culinary experience you won’t want to miss. The festival doesn’t stop there; it also features live music and an array of vendors, creating an all-around festive atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.
Event Details and More
The BBQ cookoff and festival will run until 11:45 P.M. at 1723 Creekview Dr. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for those looking to dive into the fun. Worried about parking? Rideshare options are encouraged to make things easier for everyone.
Not Just BBQ: A Full Weekend of Rodeo Festivities
This weekend, San Antonio is also hosting other exciting events alongside the BBQ festival. Be sure to check out the Cowboy Breakfast for an authentic Western start to your day, and don’t miss out on Noche de Charreria, where you can witness thrilling Mexican rodeo activities and performances!
So grab your friends and family, and come on out to celebrate the flavors of Texas barbecue, the camaraderie of diverse teams, and the thrilling spirit of rodeo right here in San Antonio!
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: San Antonio BBQ Cookoff 2025
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: BBQ Competitions and Festivals
- KSAT Video
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue Culture in Texas
- News 4 San Antonio Grillsgiving
- Google News: San Antonio Rodeo 2025