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Backyard on the Grape 2026

BBQ Training & Open Judging Event in Lodi, CA

Saturday, March 7, 2026
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds | Lodi, California

Backyard on the Grape 2026 is a 1.25 day BBQ training and practice cook designed for competition teams and backyard pitmasters who want to sharpen their skills before the season heats up. This is a low-pressure, high-learning event focused on open judging, real feedback, and building community.

Whether you are testing new recipes, practicing turn-ins, or preparing for your first competition, Backyard on the Grape gives you the chance to cook, learn, and improve in a supportive environment.

What Is a Backyard BBQ Training Event?

A Backyard BBQ event is an informal, non-sanctioned cook where learning comes first.

  • New teams gain competition-style cooking and judging experience
  • Experienced teams fine-tune techniques and recipes
  • Judges provide live, meaningful feedback
  • The focus stays on improvement, not pressure

This format makes Backyard on the Grape ideal for teams at any stage of their BBQ journey.

Why Cook Backyard on the Grape?

Open Judging With Real Feedback

Entries are judged live, with verbal instant feedback, with teams encouraged to observe judging when possible. Judges focus on flavor, tenderness, and appearance, offering insight you can immediately apply to future cooks.

Practice Without Pressure

Simulate competition conditions, experiment with new ideas, and practice timing without the cost or stress of a sanctioned contest.

Community Comes First

Backyard on the Grape is about learning together. Swap tips, ask questions, and connect with other BBQ teams in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

BBQ Categories

Teams may cook any or all of the following categories:

  • Chicken
  • Pork Ribs
  • Pork Shoulder (Pulled Pork)
  • Brisket
  • Beef Tri-Tip

Cook one category (up to 5 times) or cook them all (once each), or any other combination (2 ribs, 3 chickens, etc.). The choice is yours.

Judging & Awards

  • Open judging format
  • Live feedback encouraged
  • Only the highest-scoring entry per team in each category qualifies for awards
  • No overall champion

This structure keeps the focus where it belongs: learning and improving your BBQ.

Event Location & Amenities

Lodi Grape Festival Grounds offers one of the most team-friendly venues in Northern California.

  • Large, level team spaces (grass or pavement)
  • 20 and 50 amp power available (very limited 30 amp options)
  • Clean restrooms and showers
  • Water and waste hookups with disposal stations
  • Full kitchen with a three-basin hot water sink
  • RV camping welcome Friday through Monday at no additional cost

Teams may arrive starting Friday afternoon. Cooking and judging take place Saturday.

Registration Details

  • Entry Fee: $175 per team
  • Team Cap: 35 teams
  • Minimum: 10 teams required

Space is limited and this event historically fills.

Who Should Attend?

  • Backyard cooks curious about competition BBQ
  • Teams preparing for KCBS, PNWBA or similar contests
  • Experienced teams testing new recipes
  • Anyone who believes BBQ should be fun, educational, and community-driven

Ready to Fire Up Your 2026 Season?

Backyard on the Grape 2026 takes place Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds.

Register now. Team spaces are limited.

Questions? Reach out to Fire It Up Events for more information.

https://fireitupevents.com/backyard-on-the-grape-2026/?
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