If you want to practice comp BBQ with live judging with no pressure, this is the event to try your recipes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ben, the organizer, is a good friend of mine!<\/p>\n
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BBQ Training & Open Judging Event in Lodi, CA<\/p>\n
Saturday, March 7, 2026<\/strong> Backyard on the Grape 2026 is a 1 1\/4-day\u00a0BBQ training and practice cook<\/strong>\u00a0designed for competition teams and backyard pitmasters who want to sharpen their skills before the season heats up. This is a\u00a0low-pressure, high-learning event<\/strong>\u00a0focused on open judging, real feedback, and building community.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A Backyard BBQ event is an\u00a0informal, non-sanctioned cook<\/strong>\u00a0where learning comes first.<\/p>\n This format makes Backyard on the Grape ideal for teams at any stage of their BBQ journey.<\/p>\n Backyard on the Grape 2026 is\u00a0not open to the general public<\/strong>. This is a private BBQ training and practice cook for registered teams.<\/p>\n There will be\u00a0no food for sale<\/strong>, and food will not be available for public consumption during the event.<\/p>\n That said,\u00a0invited guests, friends, and family of registered teams are welcome to attend<\/strong>\u00a0and observe. We encourage teams to share the experience with their support crew and loved ones while respecting the learning-focused nature of the event.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Simulate competition conditions, experiment with new ideas, and practice timing without the cost or stress of a sanctioned contest.<\/p>\n Backyard on the Grape is about learning together. Swap tips, ask questions, and connect with other BBQ teams in a relaxed, welcoming environment.<\/p>\n Teams may cook\u00a0any or all<\/strong>\u00a0of the following categories:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This structure keeps the focus where it belongs: learning and improving your BBQ.<\/p>\n Lodi Grape Festival Grounds<\/strong>\u00a0offers one of the most team-friendly venues in Northern California.<\/p>\n
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds | Lodi, California<\/p>\nWhat Is a Backyard BBQ Training Event?<\/h3>\n
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Event Attendance Information<\/h3>\n
Why Cook Backyard on the Grape?<\/h3>\n
Open Judging With Real Feedback<\/h4>\n
Practice Without Pressure<\/h4>\n
Community Comes First<\/h4>\n
BBQ Categories<\/h3>\n
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Judging & Awards<\/h3>\n
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Event Location & Amenities<\/h3>\n