Third Annual Mauldin BBQ Cook-Off Coming

By George Patrick McLeer

The 3rd Annual Mauldin BBQ Cook-Off will take place Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21 at the Mauldin Cultural Center. Featuring 18 Cookers from across the state and region, plus live music and a dedicated “Kids Zone,” this community festival is perfect for the entire family. Admission to the festival is free both days.

The festival kicks off Friday at 6:30pm with a free children's performance by The Learning Station in the Mauldin Sports Center. “Movin' & Groovin' to the Hits” is a one-hour children's show geared at getting kids up and active with songs, dances and more. 

From 7pm-9pm participating Cookers will serve up some of their best non-BBQ dishes in the festival's first-ever “Anything Butt” competition. Asheville-based bluegrass band, Underhill Rose takes the stage in the outdoor amphitheater at 7:30pm for a free concert.

Saturday the festival opens at 10am as the Cookers put the finishing touches on their BBQ to be judged by the SC BBQ Association. At 10:30am, a second performance from The Learning Station begins for all children ages 9 and under. 

Grab a $10 Tasting Pass and enjoy unlimited samples from each Cooker beginning at 11:30am. BBQ plates and pints will be available for purchase. 

Enjoy live music in the amphitheater from local groups The Bad Popes and InnFusion Jazz from 12pm-4pm. Kids will enjoy free face-painting, inflatable rides, and learn about fire safety at the Mauldin Fire Department's “Smoke House”.

For more information, visit www.mauldinculturalcenter.org/bbq. The Mauldin Cultural Center is located at 101 East Butler Road.