Slate Belt Smoke Out (New - reduced contest fees)
Registration Info
Registration is required
About this event
Notice May 19, 2026 - Contest fees have been reduced. Please see revised Cooks Packet.
Slate Belt Smoke Out: A NEBS Classic Competition and Kids-Q
Get ready to fire up the grills! The Slate Belt Smoke Out is a premier Northeast Barbecue Society (NEBS) Classic contest, bringing together the region's best pitmasters and backyard enthusiasts for a weekend of high-stakes outdoor cooking and community fun.
The Main Stage: Competition Categories
Competitors will go head-to-head in two core NEBS Classic categories to vie for the prestigious Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion titles:
- Chicken: Teams showcase their skills with wild or farm-raised chicken, from juicy thighs to perfectly smoked wings.
- Ribs: A battle of the best pork ribs—be it Loin Back, Baby Back, Spare, or St. Louis style.
Kids-Q:
- Pork Chops: The next generation of BBQ stars takes the stage, preparing perfectly grilled pork chops for the judges.
Something for Everyone
- Ancillary - Dessert: Pitmasters show off their sweet side with desserts assembled and cooked right on-site.
- People’s Choice - Chicken Wings: Provide 100 samples for public voting. The winning team walks away with 50% of the ticket sales!
Complete rules and contest info can be found in the Cooks Packet
2025 Slate Belt Smoke Out Cooks Packet Rev1
Teams and Judges sign up with the links below
Slate Belt Smoke Out Team Sign Up
Slate Belt Smoke Out Judge Sign Up
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