July 10 - July 11
The Big Peach BBQ Battle brings barbecue teams, judged pork, and a community fundraiser to Gaffney for a summer weekend built around smoke, competition, and support for Thought Jot
The Big Peach BBQ Battle is a barbecue competition and community fundraiser held at the Cherokee County Administration Building in Gaffney. The event brings professional and backyard barbecue teams to Railroad Avenue for a weekend centered on smoked pork, friendly competition, and support for Thought Jot.
Cook teams compete in professional and backyard divisions, giving both experienced pitmasters and serious home cooks a place at the event. Judging follows South Carolina Barbeque Association rules, with pork Boston butt serving as the main category and ribs listed as an optional category for teams.
For visitors, the appeal is simple: barbecue smoke, teams working their pits, and a chance to spend time around South Carolina barbecue while supporting a local nonprofit. Event materials indicate that public serving and sampling are part of the setup, though attendees should check the organizer’s latest updates before heading out.
The Big Peach BBQ Battle also carries a purpose beyond the trophies. The event is organized as a fundraiser for Thought Jot, which works with adults and young people impacted by incarceration through cognitive self-change and creative writing programs. The goal is to help participants build skills and income opportunities for life after incarceration.
The event is scheduled during a busy summer stretch in Gaffney, a city long associated with South Carolina peaches. While it falls near South Carolina Peach Festival activities, the Big Peach BBQ Battle should be treated as its own Thought Jot fundraiser unless organizers state otherwise.
Event details
Event: Big Peach BBQ Battle
Date: July 10–11
Location: Cherokee County Administration Building
Address: 110 Railroad Ave, Gaffney, SC 29340
Admission: Free
Organizer: Thought Jot
Competition: Professional and backyard barbecue divisions
Judging: South Carolina Barbeque Association rules
Good to know
Because this is a barbecue competition, public food availability may depend on the event schedule and participating teams. Visitors should check the organizer’s latest updates for serving details, parking notes, and any day-of changes.
Cook teams interested in competing should use the official registration form and cooker packet for current rules, deadlines, fees, and setup requirements.
Event Organizer
(864) 425-4490
