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BBQ News

What's happening in the BBQ world right now. Stories, trends, competitions, and gear drops.

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Trends & What's Hot in 2026
Trends
Steven Raichlen's BBQ Crystal Ball: What's Defining 2026

The Barbecue Bible legend calls it early — affordable cuts like flank and flatiron are having a moment, the "trisket" is the new brisket, and braseros are coming to backyards near you.

BarbecueBible.com · Jan 2026
Trends
BBQ Trends for 2026: No Hype, Just What's Actually Sticking

Pellet grills are still growing, drum smokers are having a comeback, and more people are firing up on weeknights. A real backyard cook's take on where things are headed.

TheGrillingDutchman.com · Mar 2026
Trends
Big Poppa's Flavor Forecast: BBQ Trends to Watch

Championship pitmaster Big Poppa Smokers breaks down the gear, rubs, and techniques gaining ground this year — including why simpler tools are beating the gimmicks.

BigPoppaSmokers.com · Dec 2025
Competition & Events
Competition
Winners of the 2026 World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest

Over 250 teams. Three days of smoke. "All Jacked Up" took Grand Champion Overall at the 52nd annual Houston Rodeo showdown. Here's who else took home trophies.

Click2Houston.com · Mar 2026
Events
Top BBQ Festivals & Pitmaster Competitions to Hit in 2026

From Texas kick-offs to the Windy City Smokeout in Chicago, this is your road map to the biggest BBQ events of the year. Plan the road trip now.

BBQChamps.com · Dec 2025
Community
Barbecue News Magazine January 2026: New Year, Fresh Smoke

The NBBQA kicks off 2026 with the Hog Drop champion on the cover, 35th Anniversary Conference details in Nashville, and a smoked salsa recipe to start the year right.

NBBQA.org · Jan 2026
Gear & Industry
Industry
Mission BBQ Teams Up With McCormick to Hit Retail Nationwide

Four regional sauce flavors — Memphis Belle, Texas Twang, KC Classic, and Blue Ridge Smoky Mountain — are now available in stores. Smoked 16 hours on white oak, bottled for your shelf.

ProvisionerOnline.com · Mar 2026
Gear
Weber Drops a Full 2026 Lineup Built Around the Weber Connect App

Weber's new portfolio is pushing a connected grilling ecosystem — smart grills, accessories, and app integration across gas, charcoal, and pellet. The age of the smart backyard is here.

TheBBQMag.com · 2026
Events
The 2026 BBQ Events Calendar: Every Competition Worth Knowing

The most comprehensive listing of BBQ competitions, cook-offs, and judging schools across the country. From Baton Rouge to Las Vegas — find your next event.

BarbecueNews.com