$6,500+ PRIZE POOL
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EVERY REGISTRATION HELPS GROW THE PURSE
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LIMITED TEAM SPACE
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$6,500+ PRIZE POOL • EVERY REGISTRATION HELPS GROW THE PURSE • LIMITED TEAM SPACE •
INAUGURAL URBAN BBQ COMPETITION
Fire up your smokers and bring your best BBQ to downtown Wheaton!
In partnership with the Wheaton Arts District and Montgomery County, the inaugural MoCo Smoke Show will bring a KCBS-sanctioned, urban parking-lot-style barbecue competition to the heart of Wheaton, Maryland, on October 17.
Compete for a growing prize pool of more than $6,500! Every team registration increases the prize pool and helps move the MoCo Smoke Show closer to becoming an official qualifier.
Competition space is limited. Register now and become part of an inaugural BBQ competition for the books!
October 17, 2026
2424 Reedie Drive
Wheaton, Maryland 20902
Smoke, Flavor & Culture in the Heart of Wheaton
October 17
2026 Event Date
Downtown Wheaton
Maryland
KCBS Sanctioned
Competition
Family-Friendly
Community
A new signature BBQ event for Montgomery County.
WHAT IS IT?
The MoCo Smoke Show is not your ordinary BBQ competition. This inaugural KCBS-sanctioned event will deliver a true urban BBQ experience—smokers, teams, flavor, and fierce competition taking over the parking lots and streets of beautiful downtown Wheaton.
Whether you are a seasoned competition team, an experienced pitmaster, or a backyard BBQ contender ready to test your skills, this is your opportunity to make history with us.
The MoCo Smoke Show is designed as a flavorful community gathering where BBQ competition meets culture, music, local business, and family fun.
Be part of a BBQ competition for the books!
🔥 $6,500+ PRIZE POOL —AND GROWING! 🔥
GET INVOLVED
Choose your lane
BRING THE HEAT…
KCBS BBQ Competition
A showcase for pitmasters, backyard BBQ legends, and serious smoke masters ready to bring their best flavor to Montgomery County.
Food & Marketplace Vendors
Food vendors, local makers, community organizations, and small businesses can connect with festival guests throughout the day.
Sponsors & Partners
Support a high-energy community event with strong visibility, local impact, and meaningful cultural connection.
JUST ANNOUNCED • FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT
The Chuck Brown Band
Get ready to wind it up at the inaugural MoCo Smoke Show! The Chuck Brown Band is bringing the unmistakable sound and energy of D.C. go-go to downtown Wheaton.
Experience a live performance celebrating the music and lasting legacy of Chuck Brown—the legendary “Godfather of Go-Go.”
Performance time coming soon • Free admission
SATURDAY • OCTOBER 17
Event Day Schedule
BBQ competition, live entertainment, tasting, voting, vendors, and family fun throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! Registration is now open for the KCBS Master Series and Backyard competitions. Space is limited, so teams are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
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The current prize pool is more than $6,500—and growing! Every additional team registration increases the prize pool.
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Our goal is for the inaugural MoCo Smoke Show to meet the participation requirements necessary to become an official qualifier. Every registered competition team brings us closer to reaching that goal.
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Teams will load in on Friday, October 16. Load in and parking details will be shared with registered teams.
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The MoCo Smoke Show is a KCBS-sanctioned, urban, parking-lot-style BBQ competition featuring Master Series and Backyard competition divisions.
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Registered BBQ teams will receive access to electrical hookups, water, ice, a designated grease-disposal area, and onsite trash bins with scheduled trash collection. Registered teams will also receive complimentary MoCo Smoke Show swag.
Additional competition logistics and instructions will be included in the official team information packet.
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The MoCo Smoke Show People’s Choice puts the judging in your hands!
While certified judges handle the official KCBS competition, the People’s Choice Award is decided by you—the public. Purchase a People’s Choice ticket, taste BBQ prepared by participating competition teams, and vote for your favorite.
How does the People’s Choice work?
Each People’s Choice ticket includes six (6) randomly selected 2 oz. BBQ samples from participating competition teams.
Your tasting selections are randomly assigned, so you may receive samples from different teams than your friends and family. This helps give participating teams an opportunity to have their BBQ tasted by guests throughout the People’s Choice competition.
Taste all six samples, decide which one is your favorite, and cast your vote!
How much BBQ do I receive?
Each ticket includes:
6 BBQ samples × 2 oz. each = 12 oz. of BBQ
The six samples will be randomly selected from participating People’s Choice competition teams.
How do I vote?
Each of your six samples will correspond to a competition team number. After tasting your samples, choose the one sample you liked best and cast your vote using the voting instructions provided at the event.
Each People’s Choice ticket provides one vote for your favorite BBQ sample.
When voting closes, the votes will be counted and the top teams will be recognized as the MoCo Smoke Show People’s Choice winners.
When is the People’s Choice?
People’s Choice will take place on:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.We strongly encourage participants to arrive early to purchase tickets. Samples are prepared specifically for the People’s Choice competition and are subject to availability.
How much are People’s Choice tickets?
$15 on the day of the event, if available
Only a limited number of People’s Choice tickets will be sold.
Will I get to sample BBQ from every team?
No. Each ticket includes six randomly selected samples from participating People’s Choice teams.
Because your six samples are randomly assigned, purchasing additional tickets may result in receiving samples from some of the same teams.
Do all BBQ competition teams participate in People’s Choice?
No. Participation in the People’s Choice competition is optional for BBQ teams. Your six samples will come from teams that have elected to participate.
Can I purchase more than one People’s Choice ticket?
Yes, subject to availability. Each ticket includes six randomly selected 2 oz. samples and provides one People’s Choice vote.
Can I share my People’s Choice ticket?
Each People’s Choice ticket and tasting kit is intended for one participant. If multiple people would like to participate in the tasting and voting experience, we encourage each person to purchase their own ticket.
Are People’s Choice tickets refundable?
No. All People’s Choice ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.
Where does the People’s Choice take place?
The People’s Choice is part of The MoCo Smoke Show:
Saturday, October 17, 2026
MoCo Smoke Show: 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
People’s Choice: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MarylandSix samples. One vote. Your choice.
Come hungry, taste competition BBQ, pick your favorite, and help crown the MoCo Smoke Show People’s Choice Champion!
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Yes! MoCo Smoke Show guests can receive a special group rate at the Courtyard by Marriott Silver Spring Downtown.
Group rate: $149–$159 per night
Block dates: Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, 2026
Reservation deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026
Group name: MoCo Smoke Show
Book the MoCo Smoke Show group rate
Guests may also call the hotel at 301-589-4899 and reference the MoCo Smoke Show group when making their reservation.
Need an extra night? Guests may request accommodations for one day before or one day after the confirmed block dates, if needed. Please contact the hotel directly for assistance and availability.
Rooms are limited, so we encourage guests to reserve early. The discounted rate is available only through September 25, 2026, or until the room block is filled.
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The MoCo Smoke Show will be held in beautiful downtown Wheaton at:
2424 Reedie Drive
Wheaton, Maryland 20902Competitors and guests can expect a distinctive urban, parking-lot-style BBQ experience in the heart of the Wheaton Triangle.
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No. Teams are not required to be registered with the Kansas City Barbeque Society to compete in the MoCo Smoke Show.
However, results earned by a nonregistered team may not count toward KCBS Team of the Year points, historical team records, Hall of Fame consideration, or other KCBS awards and recognition programs.
Teams that would like their competition results to count toward eligible KCBS programs may register with KCBS and pay the applicable membership fee.
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Yes! We encourage teams to compete and vend. There is limited space. So, sign up today!
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Yes, we are actively looking for sponsors that would like to be part of this historic KCBS sanctioned BBQ competition.
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Yes! General admission to the MoCo Smoke Show is free. Guests are invited to enjoy the BBQ competition, food vendors, entertainment, local businesses, and family-friendly activities.
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Vendor, sponsor, and volunteer opportunities are available. Please use the appropriate interest or registration link on this page to get involved. Additional information and next steps will be provided after your submission is received.
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The MoCo Smoke Show features two KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition divisions. Both follow official KCBS rules and use blind judging, but they are designed for different levels of experience and require teams to prepare different meats.
Master Series Competition
The Master Series is KCBS’s full four-meat competition and is commonly considered the more advanced or “professional” division. However, teams do not have to own a restaurant or operate a barbecue business to compete.
Master Series teams prepare entries in four categories:
Chicken
Pork ribs
Pork shoulder
Brisket
Managing four meats with different preparation methods and cooking times makes this a more demanding competition. Teams compete for awards in each meat category, as well as the overall titles of Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion.
Backyard Series Competition
The Backyard Series offers a more accessible introduction to KCBS competition barbecue. It is a great option for newer teams, local pitmasters, experienced home cooks, and competitors looking to build their skills.
Backyard teams prepare entries in two primary categories:
Chicken
Pork ribs
Although the format is smaller, Backyard teams follow official KCBS competition rules and are judged using the same blind judging process. Teams compete for chicken and ribs awards, as well as Backyard Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion honors.
KCBS Membership Is Not Required
Teams do not have to be registered with or be members of the Kansas City Barbeque Society to enter and compete in either the Master Series or Backyard Series at the MoCo Smoke Show.
However, KCBS membership may be required for teams that want to earn KCBS Team of the Year points, receive certain KCBS rankings, or participate in specific championship and invitational opportunities. All teams must still register with the MoCo Smoke Show, pay the applicable competition fee, meet the eligibility requirements for their selected division, and follow KCBS competition rules.
COMMUNITY MAKES IT POSSIBLE
Thank You to Our Founding Sponsors & Community Partners
The inaugural MoCo Smoke Show is made possible through the generous support of organizations committed to community, culture, local businesses, and unforgettable experiences in Montgomery County.
Be the first to receive competition updates, vendor announcements, sponsor opportunities, and event details.
The MoCo Smoke Show
Presented by Kensington Juneteenth in partnership with the Wheaton Urban District and Montgomery County
Wheaton, Maryland • October 17