Battle of the BBQ Competition in Dayton, TN — June 26, 2026 with Up to $2,000 in Cash Prizes

by Tom Seest | Jun 3, 2026 | Festivals & Fairs | 0 comments

Battle of the BBQ Competition in Dayton, TN — June 26, 2026 with Up to $2,000 in Cash Prizes

Rhea County is heating up this summer with a major competitive barbecue event that will draw pit masters and food lovers from across the Sequatchie Valley region. The Battle of the BBQ combines serious competition with family entertainment, making it a marquee event for the area’s growing calendar of outdoor gatherings.

The Battle of the BBQ will take place on June 26, 2026, at W. Wallace Real Estate in Dayton. The event features live music and family-friendly activities alongside the main competition, with up to $2,000 in cash prizes and trophies on the line for contestants. Organizers are still accepting applications from barbecue competitors who want to compete for the Grand Champion title.

Participants can enter as competitors or purchase tickets to attend as spectators and taste entries from the competing pit masters. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region, Rhea County Unit, making it a community-focused fundraiser as well as a celebration of regional barbecue talent.

The event is sponsored by McElroy/Duba Group, McElroy, Duba Group, CrossCountry Mortgage, Paramount Title Services, and other local businesses. For registration information and ticket details, interested participants and attendees should contact the organizers directly through the event’s official channels.

What to Know Before You Go

The Battle of the BBQ takes place on June 26, 2026, at W. Wallace Real Estate in Dayton, so plan to arrive early to secure parking and get a good viewing spot for the competition.
Contact the event organizers directly through official channels for registration details if you want to compete, or to purchase spectator tickets to taste entries from pit masters.
Bring cash or be prepared to make purchases, as proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region, and you may want to support the fundraiser.
If you need lodging for the event, Best Western Dayton offers comfortable 3-star accommodations conveniently located in Dayton. — Best Western Dayton
Plan for outdoor summer weather on June 26th by wearing sunscreen, bringing water, and dressing in light, comfortable clothing suitable for a day of outdoor barbecue competition and family activities.

Source: Battle of BBQ.