September 13 – September 14
SOOIE: Mauldin’s BBQ Cook-Off
Produced by the City of Mauldin, the annual SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off is a showcase of the heritage of our community including its food and music.
The festival features more than 20 cookers from all over the Southeast and includes a BBQ cook-off competition with a panel of certified BBQ judges, live music, family activities, and a relaxing atmosphere.
But make no mistake, this festival is about the BBQ above all.
Focusing on the craft of creating artful BBQ is the primary goal of this festival. We pair this delicious BBQ with music and family – making this the perfect festival to enjoy all that Mauldin has to offer.
Events Friday and Saturday
The festival opens Friday night with our Anything Butt competition, where participating cookers serve anything BUTT their BBQ to pique your tastebuds.
Sliders, grilled chicken, smoked cobbler—the only way to know what’s cooking is to come try it for yourself.
Saturday features the main event, a BBQ Cook-off competition with a panel of certified BBQ Tasters from the South Carolina Barbeque Association. The public will also have a chance to cast their vote for the best BBQ and the winner of the People’s Choice Award.
Paired with live music and family fun, this can’t-miss festival is the perfect pig-out.
Dog and Wallet-Friendly
The event is also environmentally conscious, with attendees encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and/or blankets to the outdoor amphitheater.
Dogs are allowed on leash, and attendees are asked to carry disposable bags to pick up any pet droppings. Smoking, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed at this event.
The festival is free to attend, with attendees only having to pay for food and drinks. The pricing for food tickets is $1 each for Friday only, and Tasting Passes are $10 each for Saturday only.
One tasting pass allows ten samples and one vote for People’s Choice. Each sample is 2 oz. of pulled pork.
About Community
The Mauldin BBQ Cook-off is more than just a BBQ event; it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the love of good food. Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast, a foodie, or someone looking for a fun-filled day with family and friends, the Mauldin BBQ Cook-off is an event worth attending.
So mark your calendars and get ready for a feast of flavor and fun at the Mauldin BBQ Cook-off.
Please visit our Sponsor page to see how our community supports this festival and be sure to visit the City of Mauldin and Mauldin Cultural Center websites for more events throughout the year!
All proceeds from the Mauldin BBQ Cook-off support local nonprofit organizations.
What To Expect
A few notes to make your visit a smooth one:
- Lawn chairs and/or blankets are welcome at the outdoor amphitheater.
- Outside food and beverages are prohibited. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site.
- Attendees must be age 21+ to consume alcohol. An ID and wristband ($1) will be required.
- Dogs are allowed on leash. Please carry disposable bags to pick up any pet droppings.
- Smoking, skateboards, and bicycles are not allowed at this event.
Event Schedule
FRIDAY
6 p.m. | Festival Opens (Anything Butt Competition)*
6 p.m. | Kids Zone Opens
6 p.m. | Live Music
9 p.m. | Festival Closes
*Note: Food is served only while supplies last.
SATURDAY
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Blood Drive Begins
11 a.m. | Festival Opens (BBQ Cook-Off)*
11 a.m. | Kids Zone Opens
11 a.m. | Music
2:30 p.m. | Winners Announced
3 p.m. | Festival Closes
*Note: Food is served only while supplies last.
Cost of Admission
Admission, parking, live music, and kids zone are all free – you only have to pay to eat and drink!
FRIDAY ONLY
Food Tickets | $1 each
Friday Food Items | 1-5 Tickets
SATURDAY ONLY
Tasting Passes | $10 each
Note: One tasting pass has ten samples and allows one vote for People’s Choice. Each sample is 2 oz. of pulled pork.
ALL WEEKEND
Drink Tickets | $1 each
Soft Drinks / Water | 1 ticket each
Beer / Wine | 4-5 tickets each
This event is located at the Outdoor Amphitheater behind the Mauldin Cultural Center at 101 E Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662.
Parking Info
ALL PARKING IS FREE
We recommend parking at the following locations:
- Mauldin Cultural Center – 101 East Butler Road
- Mauldin City Hall – 5 East Butler Road
- Mauldin Sports Center – 10 City Center Drive
- Mauldin United Methodist Church – 100 East Butler Road