TOPEKA (KSNT) – Numerous barbeque teams from the Topeka area and beyond are set to compete this weekend for the 2026 edition of Smoke on the Water.
Ashley Gilfillan with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) said in a press release that Smoke on the Water will take place on Oct. 9-10 at the Lake Shawnee Campground. Both professional and local barbecue teams will be competing in the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) Masters Series Competition and the Outlaw BBQ Contest.
“Smoke on the Water is a fundraiser for the Parks for All Foundation and includes a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) Contest hosted at Lake Shawnee Campground on October 9th and 10th that draws some of the best teams around to compete for cash and prizes,” said Dustyn Whyte with SCP+R. “The BBQ Contest began way back in 2008 and has gone through a few evolutions to reach its current form today.”
Whyte said SCP+R added the Outlaw BBQ Contest this year to run alongside the KCBS contest. He said the Outlaw BBQ Contest is more accessible to the average backyard cook who lacks experience competing in KCBS events.
Teams will be competing with chicken and ribs for this year’s Outlaw BBQ Contest. Local “celebrity judges” will determine the winners of the contest. Gilfillan said registration for this contest is still open with a registration fee of $175 and a $1,000 prize purse.
Whyte said the main KCBS contest will have a cash prize of $10,000. He also said SCP+R is introducing “BBQ Bucks” that can be used to purchase food, drinks and more during the event. People can purchase these BBQ Bucks “dollar-for-dollar” at the Lake Shawnee Administrative Office, Lake Shawnee Campground Office and during the upcoming weekend events.
“There are some big changes this year, including an increase in our contest payout to $10,000 thanks to sponsorship from DL Smith Electric,” Whyte said. “Additionally, we’re introducing BBQ Bucks, which will be sold at our Lake Admin and Campground office prior to the event, and at the Campground during the event. BBQ Bucks will be sold dollar for dollar, and will be used for all purchases at Smoke on the Water, including for food, drink, and merchandise, and raffle tickets.
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People are invited to attend the weekend of events and take part in activities and the free Smoke on the Water Showcase which will feature live music provided by bluegrass band “The Matchsellers,” barbeque, drinks, vendors and activities with the SCP+R’s Rec + Roll Van while teams prepare for the contest. Gilfillan said the showcase will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9.
You can learn more about Smoke on the Water by clicking here.
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