Sandhills Smoke Show BBQ

A KCBS MASTER SERIES EVENT • SEPTEMBER 25–26, 2026
PAL’S BREWING COMPANY • NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA
An Airstream Ventures Event Production

Register Your Team
Get Concert Tickets

Dear Teams & Participants,

Visit North Platte would like to thank you for your interest in participating in the Sandhills Smoke Show Barbeque Competition. As a community that takes pride in hosting memorable events and welcoming visitors from across the country, North Platte is excited to bring together talented pitmasters, barbecue enthusiasts, and spectators for an outstanding competition experience. We are committed to providing competitors with a well-organized, high-quality event while showcasing the hospitality, energy, and unique character that make North Platte a great destination. We look forward to welcoming you to the Sandhills Smoke Show and creating an unforgettable weekend of championship barbecue, community spirit, and friendly competition — rain or shine!

Please note that we will be offering a One Meat Rib contest on Friday, September 25, 2026. The entry fee is an additional $50.

The remaining Master Series will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Please see the following sections for more information on the event.

Location & Parking

Pals Brewing Company logo with a landscape of fields and a barn.

Pal’s Brewing Company
4520 S Buffalo Bill Ave
North Platte, NE 69101

Parking will be available on site in the Pal’s parking lot.

Click the map for directions (opens a new window)

Schedule & Competition Turn in times

Friday, September 25

  • Load-in available all day until 4:00 PM
  • 4:00 PM — Cook’s Meeting
  • 7:30 PM — One Meat Rib submitted for judging
  • 7:45 PM — Awards for the One Meat Rib Contest
  • 8:00 PM — Concert: Love and Theft

To make arrangements to arrive prior to load-in, please contact jz@airstreamventures.com.

Saturday, September 26

  • 12:00 PM — Chicken turn-in
  • 12:30 PM — Ribs turn-in
  • 1:00 PM — Pork turn-in
  • 1:30 PM — Brisket turn-in
  • 12:00–4:00 PM — Plate sales for public serving
  • 4:00 PM — Final awards announced

Pricing & Registration

  • $250 per team entry
  • +$50 additional entry fee for the One Meat Rib Contest (Friday)
  • +$35 power add-on — one 15amp/110v outlet (limit 1 per team)
  • Access to water and ice will be provided
  • Access to bathrooms and hand sinks also provided

Competition teams have the ability to order GA concert tickets at a discount through the registration form — $18 per ticket.

Before registering please view our liability and waiver section below.

Awards & Judging

$10,000 Prize Pool

Monetary awards will be given to each team that places in the top 10 of each meat category, as well as trophies for the champions in each category.

All judging decisions are final.

FRIDAY NIGHT • LIVE IN CONCERT

Love and Theft logo with hot air balloon graphic on black background.

Country music duo Love and Theft brings their award-winning sound and chart-topping hits to North Platte on Friday, September 25. Best known for their Platinum-certified No. 1 hit “Angel Eyes” and fan favorites including “Runaway,” “Whiskey on My Breath,” and “Night That You’ll Never Forget,” Love and Theft has earned a reputation as one of country music’s most dynamic live acts. With soaring harmonies, unforgettable songs, and high-energy performances, this is a concert country music fans won’t want to miss.

General Admission Ticket: $27  •  VIP Meet and Greet Ticket: $50

Rules & Liability Waiver

By registering using the link(s) above, you agree to all terms and conditions listed by KCBS.

View Competition Rules

Liability Waiver

It is my wish to participate and compete in the Sandhill Smoke Show BBQ on September 25–26, 2026, at the Pal’s Brewing Company. I understand, appreciate, and acknowledge that property damage and injuries are common to such events. I fully assume the risk of such property damage and injuries, and I participate in this event voluntarily and with full knowledge of the inherent risks.

I hereby waive and release any and all rights that either my heirs, successors and assigns or I may have against the Pal’s Brewing Company, Visit North Platte, Airstream Ventures, and the Kansas City Barbeque Society, arising from my participation in this event, including but not limited to property damage and personal injuries.

I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless all of the foregoing from any claim which may be made by me or on my behalf by other third parties which might be made against me by others, arising from my participation in the foregoing event.

This waiver shall remain valid and may not be unilaterally rescinded by the participants/teams. This form is to be signed by all participants, or if the participant is less than 18 years of age, to be signed by the participant’s parent/legal guardian.

View Liability Waiver

Hosted & Supported By

AIRSTREAM VENTURES logo with a teal and blue circular design, a small Airstream trailer icon, and te.
Pals Brewing Company logo with a landscape of fields and a barn.

Sandhills Smoke Show BBQ • September 25–26, 2026 • Pal’s Brewing Company, 4520 S Buffalo Bill Ave, North Platte, NE 69101
Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society • An Airstream Ventures Event Production • Questions? jz@airstreamventures.com

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