#United States #Various Cities #Famous Dave's #BBQ Series #Pitmasters

Famous Dave's BBQ Tour 2026

Famous Dave's, a beloved name in American barbecue, is excited to announce the return of its All-Star BBQ Series for 2026. This year’s event promises an exhilarating eight-city tour where local pitmasters will showcase their culinary skills in a competition designed to celebrate the art of barbecue. With free samples and live judging by the public, this event is shaping up to be a must-see for barbecue lovers everywhere.

What You Can Expect

Scheduled to kick off on April 18, 2026, in Indianapolis, this year's series is the fourth iteration of a successful tradition that has grown every year. The All-Star BBQ Series not only invites top local pitmasters to compete but also partners with the World Food Championships to enhance the experience. Each event features a festive atmosphere, complete with live music, games, and activities that are perfect for families.

The competition consists of three main categories: chicken, ribs, and a wild-card entrée, pushing contestants to display their skills and creativity under both time constraints and the watchful eye of hungry fans. The atmosphere is expectantly electrifying as crowds gather to witness the excitement and, of course, to enjoy delicious food.

Get Your Free Samples

Starting at 11 a.m. in every city, attendees can savor free barbecue samples straight from the smoker until supplies run out. This year’s highlight will be the fan-favorite wing competition at 2 p.m., where individuals will also have a chance to vote for their favorite wing to decide the People's Choice Award. Famous Dave's is committed to making this an unforgettable experience, with surprise giveaways and prizes throughout the events.

Meet the Founder

Dave Anderson, the founder of Famous Dave's and a Hall of Fame Pitmaster himself, expressed immense pride in the event. He stated, "There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing the talent and passion local pitmasters bring to their grills. This series celebrates America's barbecue heritage and the communities that gather around it. I can't wait to hit the road again, connect with our fans, and crown new BBQ champions."

Anderson will also make select appearances at tour stops, including locations in Rancho Cucamonga, Las Vegas, Modesto, and Colorado Springs. Fans will have the opportunity to meet him in person and engage in discussions about their shared love for barbecue.

The Tour Schedule

Here are the cities and dates for the 2026 All-Star BBQ Series:

• - April 18: Indianapolis, IN | 3645 Vincennes Rd
• - April 25: Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 11470 4th Street
• - May 16: Union Gap, WA | 1504 E Washington Ave
• - May 30: Las Vegas, NV | 4390 Blue Diamond Rd
• - June 6: El Paso, TX | 12704 Montana Ave. #1/2
• - June 13: Modesto, CA | 3401 Dale Rd. Building C
• - June 20: Colorado Springs, CO | 5245 N Academy Blvd
• - June 27: Hermitage, TN | 5000 Old Hickory Boulevard

About Famous Dave's

Founded by Dave Anderson in 1994, Famous Dave's has built a legacy as a leader in the BBQ industry, recognized for its award-winning smoked meats and vibrant atmosphere. With 107 locations across 30 states and even a few international locations, the brand continues to expand and innovate while staying true to its roots of providing authentic American barbecue.

Famous Dave's emphasizes quality and flavor, ensuring every meal reflects their commitment to excellent service and the cherished traditions of barbecue culture. For more detailed information about the events and the franchise’s offerings, visit the official Famous Dave's website at famousdaves.com/allstarbbqseries.