
Sunday, September 14 - noon to 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Bandshell Lawn
Soul & Smoke BBQ Championship Brings Culture, Community & Competition to the Heart of Oklahoma
Get ready for the ultimate BBQ experience at the inaugural Soul & Smoke BBQ Championship, coming to the Oklahoma State Fair on Sunday, September 14, 2025! This premier event, hosted by the Bigger Than Food Foundation, will bring together the best pitmasters, live entertainment, and thousands of food lovers for an unforgettable day of great food, competition, and cultural celebration. But this event is more than just BBQ – it’s a mission-driven fundraiser aimed at expanding economic opportunities for small business owners in the food industry.
A Championship with Purpose
The Soul & Smoke BBQ Championship will showcase Oklahoma’s top pitmasters, competing in six mouthwatering categories:
- Best Brisket
- Best Beef Rib
- Best Pulled Pork
- Best Chicken
- Best Signature Dish
- People’s Champion Award (fan-favorite voted by attendees)
Attendees will enjoy award-winning BBQ, live music, and a chance to vote for their favorite pitmaster, all while supporting a bigger mission.
Proceeds Support Small Business Growth
All proceeds from the Soul & Smoke BBQ Championship will support the Boss Up Business Oklahoma initiative, a program dedicated to helping small food businesses thrive through mentorship, funding, and strategic growth opportunities. In 2024, our For The Culture Supplier Diversity initiative made history by helping launch the first Black-owned restaurant inside Paycom Center. Now, we’re expanding this impact—our goal is to support more independently owned restaurants in major sports arenas and convention centers across the country. This championship is a key fundraising effort to fuel that growth.
Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities
The Soul & Smoke BBQ Championship is a prime opportunity for brands to gain high-visibility exposure, engage with the community, and support the growth of small businesses in the food industry.
Sponsorship Levels:
- Presenting Sponsor ($25,000) – Exclusive branding rights and top-tier exposure.
- Gold Sponsor ($15,000) – Featured branding and on-site activations.
- Silver Sponsor ($10,000) – Logo placement and engagement opportunities.
- Community Partner ($2,500) – Local business sponsorship with grassroots engagement.
Sponsorship Benefits:
- Brand exposure at the Oklahoma State Fair
- VIP hospitality & exclusive networking experiences
- On-site activations & brand engagement opportunities
- Inclusion in press releases, social media, and event promotions
About the Bigger Than Food Foundation
The Bigger Than Food Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to economic development, cultural enterprise, and small business support. Our mission is to inspire communities and their built-in environments through economic development and cultural enterprise. We believe that addressing complex issues requires collective action. We actively forge strong partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, businesses, and community leaders who share our vision. Together, we leverage our collective strengths, share resources, and amplify our impact.