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Two piglets wearing blankets jumping over blue fence during pig races.

27th Annual Frisco BBQ Challenge Returns to Main Street June 16 – 18 in a Back to Basics Format

The 27th Annual Frisco BBQ Challenge returns to Frisco Main Street during Father’s Day weekend on June 17 and 18, 2022, for two days of BBQ, music, and community. The Frisco BBQ Challenge is Colorado’s longest running barbeque competition and continues to be sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. For 2022, BBQ attendees can expect a smaller event without the bouncy houses, carnival style food, mechanical bulls, whiskey tours, chef demos, or the firefighter cook-offs of years past.


“We gathered and listened to feedback from Frisco residents, business owners, and event attendees, and as a result, our team’s attention will be on bringing this event back to the basics by keeping and cultivating only the elements of this event that you love. This year’s BBQ Challenge will narrow its focus on great food and drink, quality live music, and spaces for family and friends to gather as well as crowd favorites such as the pig races and the Bacon Burner 6K,” stated Zane Myers, Frisco events manager.


As a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned competition, The Frisco BBQ Challenge attracts an elite group of pit masters each year. Winning the Colorado BBQ Challenge in Frisco provides eligibility to compete in the American Royal – the “World Series” of barbeque. The largest society of barbeque enthusiasts in the world, KCBS sanctions barbeque and grilling competitions across the United States, in addition to running an extensive certified barbeque-judging program.
The festivities begin on Thursday, June 16 with a free concert, followed by two full days of barbeque competitions, great food and beverages available for purchase, and live music. Entrance into the event is free, and food and beverages are available by using Hogbacks, the event’s official currency, which are only available at the event starting on Friday, June 17.

Parking and Transportation

Attendees are urged to take the Summit Stage, walk, or bike to the Frisco BBQ Challenge. Shuttle parking will be available at Summit Middle School at 158 School Road, Frisco on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. The free BBQ Challenge shuttle provided by Summit Express, will run on Friday, June 17 from 10:30 am-9:30 pm and on Saturday, June 18 from 9:30 am-6:30 pm. No one with pets in their car will be allowed to park in the shuttle parking lot. Shuttles are an easy way to get to the BBQ Challenge, and shuttle bus drop-off/pick-up locations are located on Granite Street at 1st Avenue and 5th Avenue.

No Pet Event

Frisco loves pets, especially dogs, but NOT at the BBQ Challenge. The event is busy, food laden and plain uncomfortable for anyone at knee level. The BBQ Challenge organizers and volunteers implore pet lovers to leave their furry besties at home during the BBQ Challenge and not in their cars or at the event. There will be no pets allowed on the street, sidewalks, or parks in the event site.

Non-Profits

Committed to more than just great barbeque, the Town of Frisco has used the Frisco BBQ Challenge as a way for local nonprofits to raise funds for their organization. The event helps to raise more than $50,000 annually for its non-profit partners, including Advocates for Victims of Assault, High Country Conservation Center, the Summit County Chamber of Commerce, and Women of The Summit.

2022 Schedule

Thursday, June 16, 2022

7:30 – 9:00 pm

BBQ Challenge Kick-off Concert @ Madison Avenue & Main Street featuring Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal:
Frisco welcomes BBQers from around the country with a FREE event kick off concert. Alcoholic beverage will be available for sale with cash or credit cards. Hogbacks will NOT be sold or accepted during the Thursday kick off concert, and BBQ will not be available at Thursday’s concert. Outside alcohol and pets are prohibited at this concert.
Formed in 2012 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the raucous funk and smooth soul emanating from Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal dutifully pays homage to the past soul giants while simultaneously charging forward, piloting themselves into the modern era. Josh Hoyer’s award-winning five-piece band includes some of the area’s most revered and accomplished musicians including Benjamin Kushner (guitar), Mike Keeling (bass), Blake DeForest (trumpet), James Cuato (tenor saxophone) and Harrison ElDorado (drums).

Friday, June 17, 2022

11:00 am – 9:00 pm

BBQ Sales Open to the Public on Main Street (Madison Avenue – 6th Avenue)

12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm & 8:00 pm

Pig Races on 4th Avenue – A favorite event at the BBQ Challenge!

3:00 – 4:30 pm

Live music -Poison’d: Colorado’s only tribute band to the “Glam Slam Kings of Noise” – Poison, Poison’d brings the energy and “nothin’ but a good time”!

5:00 – 6:30pm

Live music – Frisco Funk Collective: The Frisco Funk Collective create a high-energy, funk-fueled dance party with every show. Named the 2018 Best Band in the Best of Summit review, the Collective’s unmistakable energy fills dance floors in Summit County and beyond with an immersive experience that engages new and old fans alike.

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Live music – Big Sam’s Funky Nation: Based in New Orleans and known for a boisterous blend of funk, jazz, rock, and hip-hop, Big Sam’s Funky Nation brings nothing short of seismic live experiences and a whole lot of Southern charm. Big Sam’s Funky Nation might very well be The Big Easy’s best kept secret, whipping up this high-energy for more than a decade.

Saturday, June 18, 2022

9:30 am

The Bacon Burner 6k at the Frisco Bay Marina is an out-and-back fun run featuring a bacon aid station. Registration and details are available at BaconBurner.com.

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

BBQ Sales open to the Public on Main Street (Madison Avenue – 6th Avenue)

10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm

Pig Races on 4th Avenue – A family favorite event at the BBQ Challenge!

12:00 – 2:00 pm

Live music – Smokin’: This six-piece band takes you back to the glory days of 70’s rock icons, Boston, and includes songs by Kansas, Journey, ELO, Uriah Heep, and REO Speedwagon in their repertoire.

2:30 – 4:00 pm

Live music – Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts: Modern outlaw country based in Denver, CO. Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts have three studio albums to their name and have been nominated in the Ameripolitan Music Awards for “Best Outlaw Group”. Praised for their songwriting and known for their love of old country and blazing guitars, the band pays respect to classic styles. Recommended for lovers of both classic country and 70’s rock n roll.

4:30 – 6:00 pm

Live music – Pandas and People: With a unique sound that blends organic instruments with layers of upbeat pop sounds and hook-laden songwriting, Pandas and People’s recorded material continues to become more eclectic with each release. Sharing the stage with well-known acts like Twenty One Pilots, Kings of Leon, Gary Clark Jr, The Doobie Brothers and many more, Pandas & People are no strangers to a large audience.

6:00– 8:00 pm

BBQ Happy Hour in Frisco: Frisco restaurants continue the party with drink specials and good times. For information about local dining opportunities, contact the Frisco/Copper Visitor Information Center at 970-668-5547
Please note that the schedule is subject to change. More information on the Frisco BBQ Challenge may be found at FriscoBBQ.com.

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