Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off 2025: All Aboard for Big Flavor

Events, Felton -

Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off 2025: All Aboard for Big Flavor

Felton, CA
Memorial Weekend
Trains + BBQ

Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off 2025: Trains, Redwoods & Competition-Grade Flavor

Author: The Pit-Boss Who Packs a Thermapen — equal parts brisket geek, train-spotter, and hopeless romantic for good food surrounded by redwoods.

Some BBQ festivals are all parking lots and folding chairs. Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off? That’s another universe. You’re strolling under towering redwoods, hearing the steam whistle of historic trains, and tasting competition-level BBQ that could convert a lifelong salad eater. This isn’t just about ribs and sauce—it’s a full-day experience with music, friendly faces, and a backdrop that feels straight out of a postcard.

Roaring Camp Railroads: National BBQ Cook-Off
Dates: August 9 @ 12:00 pm – August 10 @ 3:30 pm PDT
Location: 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018 United States
Cost: Free, food and drinks cost extra. 

Activities

  • Live Music
  • Local Breweries
  • Lawn Games
  • Bounce Houses
  • Kids Club Activities
  • Gold Panning
  • Pedal Tractors

"August 9-10 - Nationally recognized Pit-Masters battle it out for cash prizes, trophies and the honor of having their secret recipes voted Best BBQ at the Roaring Camp Cook-Off. BBQ vendors will be ready to serve full plates of a variety of BBQ favorites and sides. This event has no entry fee." Roaring Camp

We Were Vendors Last Year—Here’s the Inside Scoop

Last year we set up shop as a vendor and got spoiled. Redwoods overhead, trains rolling by, the mouthwatering smell of BBQ in the air, and live music that had toddlers and pit-masters alike swaying. Redwoods, trains, BBQ, music—life doesn’t get better. The crowd? Friendly, hungry, and ready to chat sauce philosophy like it’s an Olympic sport.

Photo: Roaring Camp

How to Crush the Day Like a BBQ Pro

Pro tip: Arrive early, get your tasting kit, and make a game plan. You’re not just eating—you’re on a mission.
  • Come hungry: Breakfast? Forget it. Save room for the main event.
  • Light to heavy: Start with chicken or sausage, then graduate to ribs, tri-tip, and brisket.
  • Vote like you mean it: People’s Choice matters—make your favorite known.
  • Take the train: A ride through the redwoods is the best “palate cleanser” on earth.
  • Stay hydrated: Water between tastings keeps your taste buds sharp.

BBQ Nerd Corner

Great BBQ is about balance—steady heat, perfect seasoning, and resting the meat so it stays juicy. Look for a deep, flavorful crust, meat that slices clean without shredding, and flavors that make you want to high-five a stranger. That’s when you know you’ve found the real deal.

What to Bring

  • Cash/card, a healthy appetite, and your most forgiving pants.
  • Sun protection—the redwoods give shade, but the sun still sneaks in.
  • Reusable water bottle—stay refreshed.
  • A light jacket—mountain weather likes to keep you guessing.

Get Your Tickets & Details

For schedules, tasting info, and competition updates, visit the official page: Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-Off.

See you in Felton for the 2025 edition. If you spot us balancing a tasting plate in one hand and a camera in the other—yes, that’s how we multitask. 😉

Main photo: https://www.santacruz.org/upcoming-event/roaring-camp-national-bbq-cookoff/

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Rental Equipment

We offer rental equipment with skilled technicians for special event lighting and audio requirements, projector rentals, virtual event setups, and live streaming services to enhance the overall event experience.

Our service area includes:

Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Watsonville,  Felton, Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Big Sur, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Salinas, and more.

Venues in Santa Cruz and Monterey County

While we have extensive experience working in the mentioned venues, our capabilities extend beyond these, and we are not confined exclusively to these locations.

Some of our clients include:

 

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