International Festival BBQ Cookoff Coming to Maine This August

Even though most people from the south and west would say that we don't have 'real' BBQ here in Northern New England, but I think we do okay for ourselves.

Between Maine and New Hampshire I can think of about a dozen really good restaurants serving up BBQ.  They serve up fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender briskets, and amazing pulled pork.  In many cases, the executive chefs (chief smokers?) at these eateries were trained by some talented BBQ experts in Missouri, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas.

So yeah, we have people in rural New England who can handle themselves on a smoker.

The International Festival BBQ Cookoff in Calais, Maine

If you got skills when it comes to making ribs, steak, or chicken and you want to show off those skills you need to take part in the BBQ cookoff coming to Calais this August.

Part of the International Festival, the event will take place in Triangle Park in Calais on Sunday, August 9th.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top competitors, with $500 for Grand Champion, $300 for Reserve Champion, and $200 for third place, along with trophies for top winners. Entries will be judged in three categories: ribs, steak, and chicken thighs. The entry fee is $50, and contestants must provide their own meat.

The first 10 registered teams will receive access to a plug-in outlet for their smoker, while teams registering after that will need to bring a generator.

Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Great BBQ, international flavor, proudly Maine.

If you want more details or you want to enter, you can contact Jim Myers at 207.506.2005 or email jamesmyers37@hotmail.com

The BBQ cookoff is part of the International Homecoming Festival which returns to Calais from August 5th through August 9th, 2026.  You can learn more about all the events associated with the International Homecoming Festival from the event's Facebook page.