10th Annual DuPont BBQ Cookoff – AUGUST 2027

The Northwest’s premier BBQ showdown returns to Clocktower Park for a full weekend of championship-level barbecue, live music, vendors, and family-friendly fun.

August 27–29, 2027 · Clocktower Park · 1301 Palisade Blvd, DuPont, WA 98327

Produced by American Legion “Pat Tillman Memorial” Post #53. Proceeds support local veteran, youth, and community programs.

Celebrating its 10th Annual event, the DuPont BBQ Cookoff brings BBQ fans from across the Pacific Northwest to enjoy championship barbecue, meet top pitmasters, and support the community.

This is the official website for the DuPont BBQ Cookoff. For the latest schedule, registration, and updates, always refer to this site.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• KCBS-sanctioned barbecue competition with certified judges.
• Two full days of championship BBQ samples, live music, vendors, and kids’ activities at Clocktower Park.
• BBQ samples are purchased with $3 BBQ Bucks at the clearly marked American Legion tent. Most samples cost just 1 or 2 BBQ Bucks.
• Free admission and free parking.
• Thousands of visitors from across the Pacific Northwest join us each year.

Thank You for a Great 2026 DuPont BBQ Cookoff!

Our 9th Annual DuPont BBQ Cookoff was made possible by our generous sponsors, community partners, volunteers, pitmasters, vendors, entertainers, and everyone who came out to support the event.

Your support helps American Legion “Pat Tillman Memorial” Post #53 continue serving veterans, youth, and our community. Enjoy this look back at 2026 — and we’ll see you August 27–29, 2027 for our 10th Annual DuPont BBQ Cookoff!

With special thanks to our 2026 sponsors and community partners shown below.

More Community Partners

The DuPont BBQ Cookoff is made possible not only through generous sponsorships, but also through the support of local businesses that volunteer their time, expertise, and resources. We are grateful for these community partners who are helping make this year’s event a success.

Cub Scout Pack 472
Pine & Moss
Scout Troop 472
South Sound Taps
Sweetie McSweets
The Hive Market

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend at the DuPont BBQ Cookoff.

Dates & Times
• Friday, August 27 — BBQ Kickoff Banquet: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Saturday, August 28 — BBQ Samples: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday, August 29 — BBQ Samples: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Dupont BBQ Cookoff Location

Clocktower Park
1301 Palisade Blvd
DuPont, WA 98327
DuPont is a quiet community next to Joint Base Lewis‑McChord that comes alive each August with the aroma of championship‑level barbecue. 48 Miles South of Seattle.  Take exit 118, turn right on Center Drive, take first right onto Wilmington Drive, Continue 1/2 mile, Take first left onto Palisade Drive which leads into Clocktower Park.

Cost, Parking, and Access

Entry: Free for all ages.
•  Parking: Free parking is available within walking distance at Chloe Clark Elementary School on Palisade Blvd and at the DuPont Park & Ride on Wilmington Drive. Don’t feel like walking? JROTC cadets will operate free shuttles throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. Look for event signs and shuttle pickup areas. Please follow event signs and the directions of our parking volunteers to help keep traffic moving safely throughout the weekend.
• Food & Drinks: Pay as you go for BBQ samples, plates, and beverages.
• Kids’ Activities: Children’s activities are free. Games, & inflatables are here for the kids to have a great time!
• Accessibility & Safety: ADA access available, restrooms, first aid, located on site.

Weekend Schedule & Experiences

From Friday night’s kickoff feast through Sunday afternoon, each day of the DuPont BBQ Cookoff offers something unique.

Sunday: BBQ, Music & Awards

Sunday brings another great day at Clocktower Park with championship BBQ, live music, kids’ activities, the vendor marketplace, and plenty of reasons to spend the afternoon with us.

• Live music: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• BBQ Sampling Hours: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Enjoy kids’ activities and games.
• Browse the vendor marketplace.
• Enjoy the beer garden and a relaxed Sunday afternoon at the park.
• Meet the sponsors who help make the DuPont BBQ Cookoff possible and learn more about the services they provide.
• KCBS competition awards wrap up the weekend.

Why the DuPont BBQ Cookoff Is Something Special

10th Annual Event: The DuPont BBQ Cookoff has been bringing championship barbecue and community fun to DuPont since 2017.

Veteran-Led: Presented by American Legion “Pat Tillman Memorial” Post 53, with proceeds helping support veterans, youth programs, and community activities.

KCBS-Sanctioned: Pitmasters compete in an official Kansas City Barbeque Society competition judged under KCBS standards.

More Than BBQ: Live music, kids’ activities, vendors, sponsors, a beer garden, and plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend.

A Community Tradition: Thousands of visitors, pitmasters, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners have helped build the DuPont BBQ Cookoff over the years.

JOIN US AS A SPONSOR

OUR GOAL IS YOUR SUCCESS!

Each year, the DuPont BBQ Cookoff receives broad community promotion through social media, local websites, printed materials, community partners, and event signage, giving our sponsors meaningful exposure before, during, and after the event. When you sponsor this event, you are directly supporting veterans, strengthening youth programs, and investing in the DuPont community.

ULTIMATE GOAL: A year round effort to help you reach your ROI.

JOIN US AS A VENDOR

Become a vendor at the DuPont BBQ Cookoff and introduce your business to thousands of visitors throughout the weekend. Our vendor marketplace is a favorite destination for attendees looking for food, shopping, and unique local businesses. Join us in creating a great experience while supporting a veteran-led community event. Vendors benefit from strong pre‑event promotion, on‑site visibility, and the goodwill that comes from supporting a veteran‑led community event.