2025 McKinley Springs BBQ Showdown

Location: McKinley Springs Winery, Prosser, WA
Dates: June 13-14, 2025
Registration Deadline: June 10, 2025
Team Limit: 30 teams
Total Prize Purse: $10,000

The Pacific Northwest BBQ Association (PNWBA) is excited to announce the return of the McKinley Springs BBQ Showdown! This fully sanctioned competition features the traditional four meat categories plus an additional side competition. Set in the scenic McKinley Springs Winery, this event is a favorite among competitors and judges alike.

Event Schedule

Friday, June 13, 2025:

• Load-In: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

• Site Inspection: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Potluck Dinner: 7:00 PM (Teams & Judges encouraged to attend!)

• Mandatory Cooks Meeting: 8:00 PM (or earlier if all teams are present)

Saturday, June 14, 2025:

• Jack Shot Competition: 10:00 AM

• Turn-In Times:

  • Chicken: 10:55 AM – 11:04:59 AM

  • Ribs: 11:55 AM – 12:04:59 PM

  • Pork: 12:55 PM – 1:04:59 PM

  • Brisket: 1:55 PM – 2:04:59 PM

  • Side Category (Optional - Pending Details): 2:55 PM – 3:04:59 PM

• Awards Ceremony: 5:00 PM (subject to change)

• Load-Out: After the award ceremony concludes.  However, venue is open to having people stay an extra night if you would rather head out on Sunday instead.

Extra Event Details:

• Family friendly event so don't hesitate to bring the family along. No pets.
• The event host drives in fence poles at the cook sites to allow teams to tie off their tents. 
• The grounds can become quite windy at times, so don't forget those ropes!
• Event host is open to having teams and judges stay an extra night if they would like to load out on Sunday instead.
• Be sure to bring everything with you need for the weekend. Fuel, food, and supplies are a long drive back to town. Make sure to double check your check list before leaving home!
• Due to the expected late arrivals of some Teams we asking that all of the Teams have their specific inspection materials readily available for inspection upon arrival.

Sampling Program

Teams participating in donating leftover competition meat to the meat pool will receive $175 from the organizer via PNWBA, effectively reducing the entry fee to just $20. This fundraiser provides guests with delicious BBQ samples, and teams are encouraged to interact with attendees.

• Sampling Time: Saturday, June 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Teams only need to bring their leftover meats to the meat pool tent.

Event Facilities & Accommodations

• Camping: RVs, campers, and trailers permitted on-site (dry camping from Friday–Sunday).

• Utilities:

  • Power: Not provided (quiet generators recommended) Make sure to bring enough fuel. It is a long drive back to a gas station.

  • Potable Water: Provided

  • Trash, Ash, Grease & Grey Water Disposal: Provided

  • Bring extra ice – past events have been hot!

  • Closest stores is about 30 minute drive, so plan accordingly.

• Hotels Nearby:

  • Holiday Inn Express

  • Best Western

  • Desert Wind Winery/Inn

Team Registration & Fees

• Entry Fee: $195 (non-refundable, $182.50 refunded if event is canceled)

• Payment: Due at registration

• Standard Team Site Size: 20x20

• Rules & Inspection: Teams must review the competition rules. If you are new to competing or new to PNWBA, please view the new team info page. Inspections must be completed before teams can begin meat preparation or receive turn-in boxes.

Event Contacts

• Event Organizer: Dan Andrews | (509) 830-4616 | Dan@McKinleySprings.com

• PNWBA Event Rep: Diane Mee | (425) 205-0309 | DianeM@pnwba.com

• Head Judges: Christene & Anthony James | ChristeneJ@pnwba.com | AnthonyJ@pnwba.com

Come join us for a weekend of fierce competition, great BBQ, and camaraderie in the heart of wine country!