September 1-3, 2023

BBQ on the Bow Festival 2023

Calgary Shrine Stables, 5151 101 Street N.W.

Schedule

Friday, September 1

6:00-11:00 p.m.

Bow River BBQ Banquet and Dance

Saturday, September 2

8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 3

8:00 a.m. –6:30 p.m.

Open to the public free of charge

BBQ on the Bow is an annually occurring Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS) sanctioned BBQ Competition and outdoor festival taking place during Labour Day long weekend. The mission is to spread the love, passion and joy for “southern style” BBQ while simultaneously celebrating and promoting local products, businesses and musicians. The BBQ on the Bow is free to attend and aims to provide something for all ages.

The annual BBQ on the Bow Festival will be held September 2nd and 3rd. Up to $13,000 in cash prizes for Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, Third Overall, Fourth Overall, Individual Categories and Chef’s Choice. Teams compete for prize money, a chance to cook at the American Royal in Kansas City, and a shot to win a draw to compete at the World Invitational Jack Daniels BBQ Competition in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Founded in 1993, the BBQ on the Bow was created to jointly promote “Southern BBQ” and Alberta agricultural products (pork, beef and chicken products). The event has endured everything mother nature has had to throw at it and has evolved from a small competition with a handful of teams to one of Canada’s premier competitions with over 35 teams competing annually.

This is Canada's Oldest BBQ Competition and home of the Alberta BBQ Championships. In the BBQ on the Bow "Alberta Championship", teams vie for recognition as the Grand Champion by earning the most points in all four required categories. These categories are: Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork Butt (shoulder) and Beef Brisket. There is also a 5th category called 'Chef's Choice' but the points earned in this category do not count towards the BBQ on the Bow "Canadian Championship", just bragging rights.

Join in for a SMOKING HOT DAY of activities.

Activities:

- KCBS BBQ Competition

- Kids Q BBQ Competition

Food Demonstrations

- A variety of local food vendors/ bbq competitors will be teaching their secret recipes

Interact with BBQ Competitors

- Learn more about the craft

- Get tips and advice

Live Music and Beer Gardens

Kids Zone

- Children’s Playground

- Face painting

Food Trucks

- Opportunity to purchase from BBQ food trucks and variety of other local vendors

Marketplace

- A variety of companies will be on site selling merchandise

BBQ on the Bow is pleased to partner with the Canadian BBQ Society, a new BBQ organization in Canada tracking Canadian Teams and their competition successes.

The History

The Barbeque on the Bow Society, established in 1993, is a registered not-for-profit organization. The society is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Calgary socially, culturally and economically and hosts the "Alberta Championship" for Kansas City (Southern) style BBQ. The goals of the Society are achieved through production of an annual family oriented festival.

The BBQ Competition

Competitive barbecuing began over 40 years ago in the United States. Today, more than 500 Canadian and American cities host BBQ championships. Most are sponsored as community awareness festivals or charity fundraisers. Competing teams are made up of a 'Chief Cook' and up to 3 assistant cooks. Whether seasoned BBQ competitors or beginner chefs, these enthusiastic teams are up all night tending the fire and basting the meat.

In the BBQ on the Bow "Alberta Championship", teams vie for recognition as the Grand Champion by earning the most points in all four required categories. These categories are: Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork Butt (shoulder) and Beef Brisket. There are also 2 extra category competitions called 'BBQ Sauce and Chef's Challenge' however the points earned in these categories do not count towards the BBQ on the Bow Grand Championship, just bragging rights.