We can’t wait to see you Feb. 27 – March 1, 2025 for the 2025 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest presented by Cotton Holdings!
Please note that the 2025 WCBBQ Contest will be cashless.
Tickets
YOU MUST HAVE AN ADMISSION TICKET TO ENTER THE CONTEST.
In addition to the admission ticket, you will need a separate ticket/wristband given to you by a team in order to enter their private party. Alternately, if you only have a wristband, you will need to purchase an admission ticket to enter the WCBBQ Contest.
Click here to purchase tickets to the WCBBQ Contest. Onsite ticket sales end at 10:30 p.m. daily during the event, and online sales end at 9:30 p.m. daily during the event.
Tickets allow entrance into NRG Park for the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and includes a complimentary sliced barbecue brisket and sausage plate, access to live music areas and admission to the carnival. Tickets do not include access to private cook-off tents. If you have a private tent pass, you must also have a grounds ticket. Tent passes are not for sale and are distributed by the Bar-B-Que teams.
Ticket Pricing:
- Adult (13 & over): $26
- Child (3 to 12): $10
- Age 2 and under: Free
- Grounds Season Pass: $57 (valid through the run of the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™: March 4 – 23, 2025)
Please note: All teams at the WCBBQ Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, operate as private events. An Admission Ticket to the WCBBQ Contest does not allow access into these private parties.
Schedule
Thursday, Feb. 27: 5 – 11 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 28: Noon – 11 p.m.
Saturday, March 1: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Contest Awards Presentation at The Garden Stage, presented by Miller Light: 7 p.m.
Parking
Attendees are encouraged to take rideshare options to make the trip safe and easy. Rideshare and Taxi drop-off and pick-up is located in Yellow Lot.
Additional parking information can be found here.
Parking is available in the NRG Park Yellow Lot and the 610 Lot for $25 per car.
Map
Download the RODEOHOUSTON mobile app to view WCBBQ maps! Find your tent and other attractions on grounds like the Chuckwagon, where the party never stops and complimentary BBQ plates are served.
Entertainment
The Garden Stage
The Garden Stage, sponsored by Miller Lite, features some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country.
Thursday, Feb. 27
6:15 p.m.: DJ DU
7:15-8:45 p.m.: : Tyler Halverson
9:15-10:45 p.m.: Mike Ryan
Friday, Feb. 28
3:30 p.m.: DJ DU
5-6:30 p.m.: Annie Bosko
7:15-10:45 p.m.: Kevin Fowler
9:15-10:45 p.m.: Randall King
Saturday, March 1
11:30 a.m.: DJ DU
12-1:30 p.m.: Trent Cowie
2-3:30 p.m.: Gunnar Latham
4-5:30 p.m.: Don Louis
7 p.m.: Contest Awards
Presentation
7:45-9:15 p.m.: Redferrin
9:30-11 p.m.: Roger Creager
Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon
The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon also features live and DJ music and has an outside patio for visitors to enjoy.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Open 5 to 11 p.m.
6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.: Cody Ray Henry
Friday, Feb. 28
Open noon to 11 p.m.
5-11 p.m.: Cody Ray Henry
Saturday, March 1
Open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
2-11 p.m.: Cody Ray Henry
Carnival
The Carnival is open during the contest for family enjoyment of all ages.
- Thursday, Feb. 27: 6 to 11 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 28: 3 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, March 1: noon to 11 p.m.
FAQs
If I have a wristband for the WCBBQ Contest, does that get me into the grounds?
- No, you will need to purchase a WCBBQ Contest Admission Ticket Online or at the gate. A wristband will only gain you access into that specific tent once you are inside the event.
What is the bag policy? Do I need a clear purse?
- No, there is no restricted sizing for bags. You will go through security and bag check.
What does purchasing an Admission Ticket to the WCBBQ Contest get me?
- An admission ticket gets you access to the Garden Stage, Sponsored by Miller Lite, a complimentary BBQ Plate at The Chuckwagon Tent, and the Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon which features live and DJ music.
Where can I park?
- Parking is available in the NRG Park Yellow Lot and the 610 Lot for $25 per car.
Can I buy drinks using cash?
- No, all transactions will be cashless at the WCBBQ Contest.
Where can I purchase drink tickets?
- Drink tickets are no longer available for purchase.