Colorado BBQ Challenge Frequently Asked Questions

Why has the 2021 Colorado BBQ Challenge Been Canceled?

Due to ongoing public health orders and conditions, the Town of Frisco has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Colorado BBQ Challenge, originally scheduled for June 17-19. After postponing and then canceling the event in 2020 due the pandemic, the Town of Frisco had hoped that this event could be held in 2021 to honor what is now a 28-year-old tradition. Current public health orders allow for outdoor events with a maximum of 175 participants, and the next phase of public health orders moves that maximum attendance to 250 attendees. While case data is improving and vaccination rates are rising, it has become clear that there is no realistic way to drastically reduce BBQ event attendance in order to respect and protect the public’s health during this popular event, which typically draws 12,000-14,000 attendees over two days.

FAQs

Check out the answers to these frequently asked Colorado BBQ Challenge questions in order to make the most out of your BBQ weekend!

Dogs

Can I bring my favorite canine friend or any pet?

We love dogs in Frisco and that is why this is a NO pet event. The mix of food and big crowds make the BBQ Challenge less than ideal for dogs  (we know because we have dogs too). Also, this is the time of year when we get higher temperatures, so we implore dog owners to NOT leave their dogs in their cars. Leave Fido at home lounging on your sofa – he’ll thank you for it.

Cost

How much does it cost to attend the Colorado BBQ Challenge?

The event is free to attend. Hogbacks serve as the “currency” of the event. The reason people purchase ‘Hogback’ tickets is to purchase food, beverages, souvenirs and children activities at the event.

How many tickets should I buy?

One Hogback = One dollar. Vendors and competitors set their own pricing for their own food, so there is no set formula. However, it’s easy to spend between $15-$20 on a plate of amazing food, a beverage (non-alcoholic and adult available) and a dessert (hello chocolate-covered strawberries and banana skewers). There are many non-profit organizations, vendors and activities up and down the street to patronize as well, so to avoid the lines – we always encourage people to “round up” when purchasing sheets of Hogbacks. Hogback ticket purchases are non-refundable.

OK, I want to eat, drink and do fun stuff at this event!  How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets are on sale during the event at ticket booths located throughout the event. Paying with cash tends to go more quickly, but credit and debit cards are accepted.

To beat the lines, you can pre-purchase your Hogbacks online starting mid May and pick them up at Will Call at the Frisco/Copper Information Center the Thursday prior to and throughout the event. Hogback ticket purchases are non-refundable.

What do I do if I find leftover Hogbacks in my pocket on Saturday evening after the event?

Participating merchants will be accepting Hogbacks through Monday after the event weekend. Participating merchants will also have a sign that say “Hogbacks Accepted Here” on their door or in their window.

2019 Merchants Accepting Hogbacks

Directions & Parking

Directions From Interstate 70

Exits #201 or #203 from Interstate 70 take you to Frisco.

Shuttle Parking

Park at Summit Middle School (158 School Road, Frisco) and take the free BBQ Challenge shuttle. This is the convenient, no-hassle way to get to the BBQ Challenge! If you carpool with 3 or more people to the shuttle parking lot we will give you 5 hogbacks/per car of 3 or more people. Event drop-off/pick-up locations are located on Granite Street at 1st Avenue and 5th Avenue.

The BBQ Challenge shuttle typically runs Friday from 10:30am-9:30pm and on Saturday from 9:30am-6:30pm.

Hard To Find In-Town Parking

Additional parking is located on the side streets surrounding the BBQ Challenge event site, but fill very quickly.

• Please be careful not to block private driveways when parking.
• Parking is not allowed on Town right-of-ways between 2:00am and 6:00am in the Town of Frisco.
• If you are unable to drive because of impairment, please call Summit County Dispatch at 970-668-8600 to report the location of your car and how long it may be there.
• See above for easy shuttle parking

Local Transportation

The Summit Stage offers free bus service around Summit County and Frisco serves as a hub for this service.  Grab a hard copy of the bus schedule at the Frisco/Copper Information Center located at the corner of 3rd Avenue & Main Street.

Bicycle

Pedal your way to BBQ bliss with bicycle racks located at the Frisco Historic Park, Visitor Information Center and other locations around town. We will also have 2 larger “bike parking lots” on 2nd Avenue near Granite Street and on 5th Avenue near Galena Street. Just remember to bring your own bike locks.

The Recreation Path boasts 55 miles of biking/walking/running fun and is a great way to get to the BBQ from neighboring towns as well!

Lodging Specials

Two lodging partners embrace all things Frisco BBQ by offering special deals for BBQ lovers:

• The Grand Hotel, BBQ Challenge’s official hotel is a short walk from the recreation path around Dillon Reservoir, so a morning walk on the Reservoir to check out the resident bald eagles and osprey is a must do.
• Summit Mountain Rentals offers beautiful condos and homes throughout Frisco.

Contact the Visitor Information Center at 800-424-1554 or TOFinfo@townoffrisco.com for complete Frisco and Copper Mountain lodging information.