Due to ongoing public health orders and conditions, the Town of Frisco has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Colorado BBQ Challenge, originally scheduled for June 17-19. After postponing and then canceling the event in 2020 due the pandemic, the Town of Frisco had hoped that this event could be held in 2021 to honor what is now a 28-year-old tradition. Current public health orders allow for outdoor events with a maximum of 175 participants, and the next phase of public health orders moves that maximum attendance to 250 attendees. While case data is improving and vaccination rates are rising, it has become clear that there is no realistic way to drastically reduce BBQ event attendance in order to respect and protect the public’s health during this popular event, which typically draws 12,000-14,000 attendees over two days.
“Frisco Town Council has been focused on supporting local businesses and residents throughout this challenging year, and their decisions have been strategically concentrated on survival and recovery so we all have the opportunity to gather again for celebrations in the future. Yet, it is not responsible or in support of the health of our community and visitors to have an event which brings over 12,000 folks together on Main Street in three months. That said- stay tuned for future announcements about how we will be able to celebrate in Frisco this summer on a smaller scale,” stated Vanessa Agee, Town of Frisco Director of Marketing and Communications.
“We waited to make this decision in case there was any chance that we could still have this event, but it became clear that sadly we could not. Our BBQ competitors, vendors, fans, and volunteers deserve a decision about BBQ now so they can make their summer plans, and we will take this time to refocus on what makes the Colorado BBQ Challenge so unique and how this legacy fits into the future of Frisco.”
Colorado BBQ Challenge Dates and Facts
The Colorado BBQ Challenge is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS). The event is held each year on the Friday and Saturday before Father’s Day with a kick off concert on Thursday. This is Colorado’s longest running barbeque competition and takes place on Frisco’s picturesque Main Street featuring top-notch barbeque, live music, pig races, the Bacon Burner 6k, and more.
Summer 2021 Event Updates
Updates regarding Frisco’s 2021 events may be found at TownofFrisco.com.