Mauldin's most succulent and tasteful event returns for the 15th annual SOOIE. BBQ Cook-Off, scheduled to take place at the City of Mauldin Cultural Center outdoor amphitheater on September 12 and 13.
Sponsored by South Carolina Federal Credit Union, the yearly taste-test festival will bring more than 25 barbecue chefs to Mauldin for a two-day, three-barbecue category competition that crowns statewide pitmasters as the "Anything Butt," "BBQ Cook Off" and "People's Choice" winner of the entire weekend.
This event will be held at 101 E. Butler Road and is free to the public; however, food tickets can be purchased for $1.
"The SOOIE. BBQ Cook-Off is a great way for everyone to come together and sample some great Southern-style (barbecue)," said Mauldin Mayor Terry Merritt. "After 15 years, the festival has become a staple in the Mauldin community and continues to draw people from all over South Carolina."
To complement the competition, the event will host live music, a football-themed game area called the "Burnt End Zone," a "Kids Zone" with face painting, a mechanical bull, and more, plus a "Backyard Oasis" — a space dedicated to relaxation with hammocks, fire pits, and shaded seating.
There are also live performances scheduled from Trey Duncan, Cody Gentry, and Pine Mountain during the weekend barbecue competition.
The two-day event is sure to bring out some of the best barbecue in the Upstate. Here are the full details on the mid-September food festival:
What can visitors expect at the SOOIE. BBQ Cook Off on Friday, Sept. 12
The Mauldin SOOIE. BBQ Cook Off is a two-day competition between 25 barbecue experts who showcase their grilled and smoked creations for purchase, are judged by a panel of credentialed critics, and crowned winners across three different categories.
On Friday, September 12, the event will begin at 6 p.m. with the "Anything Butt Competition," where the participating chefs will serve a dish of their choice, as long as it is not classified as barbecue, and will be themed either sweet or savory.
In 2024, Paul Ahmed of Upstate Smokeshop took first place in the Anything Butt Competition, the opening evening of tastes and flavors at the Mauldin SOOIE BBQ competition.
"We travel nearly three hours to come to this competition each year, and it's one of the best in the state because of the people and how well the event is organized," said George Ray, owner of Monkey Bottom Boys, Chat n' Chew in Turbeville, and who finished third in the Anything Butt Competition in 2024.
"This year, on Friday, I'll have pig shots — a sausage wrapped in bacon, with cream cheese, jalapeno, and honey," he added.
Guests to the SOOIE BBQ Cook Off can purchase $1 competition tickets, which can be used to try the dishes prepared by participating chefs on Friday evening.
The guest panel of judges will sample the dishes and select a special award winner announced on the final day.
What can visitors expect at the SOOIE. BBQ Cook Off on Saturday, Sept. 13
On Saturday, September 13, the Mauldin SOOIE. BBQ Cook Off will host its main event, "the BBQ Cook-Off," where 25 of the best barbecue chefs will compete for the competition title.
Taking place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., guests to the competition can purchase a two-ounce portion of each of the participating chefs' barbecued pulled pork for one ticket ($1) per serving.
Guests can vote for their favorite cooker during this portion of the competition, and after votes are tallied, a "People's Choice" winner will be crowned.
A panel of judges approved by the SC BBQ Association will award first through fifth place winners for barbecue, first through fourth best ribs category, and first and second place awards in brisket cookers.
"The SOOIE and the Hog Fest in Spartanburg are the best barbecue competitions in all of South Carolina," said Jason Wallace of JW Cooks.
He plans to make a shrimp e?touffe?e dish during the Friday portion of the competition and then defend his title as the brisket champion of the 2024 SOOIE BBQ Cook Off.
"I used to do 10 competitions a year, but those are the only two I'll do because of how well put together they are," Wallace added.
"The entire weekend is a great time, and there's always something that everyone will walk away remembering or learning about barbecue because of the event."
What else will be at the Mauldin SOOIE. BBQ Cook Off?
Over the two-day barbecue competition, the event grounds will host two free musical performances by Trey Duncan on Friday evening and Cody Gentry and Pine Mountain on Saturday afternoon.
The "Kids Zone" will offer children a space for fun with balloon twisting, face painting, a mechanical bull, and more. The "Burnt End Zone" and "Backyard Oasis" will provide two separate areas that offer football tailgate games, cooling fans, firepits, and more.
An additional area for food trucks will be present, featuring Nards Backyard BBQ, Chocolate Artworks, Under the Reign Lemonade, Kona Ice, Bochia Pepper Hut, and Growler Haus, available both days of the competition.
For more information, visit: mauldinbbq.com.
– A.J. Jackson covers business, the food & dining scene, and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at [email protected], and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers..