As Treasure State residents continue to enjoy the spoils of grilling season, aficionados of the craft will once again come together for a celebration of all things barbecue with the 2024 return of the Montana Pitmaster Classic. The official State BBQ Championship returns to Bozeman’s Kenyon Noble Lumber & Hardware Friday and Saturday, August 23rd and 24th.
The weekend kicks off with Que’ for a Cause Night on Friday from 5–8pm. The evening will feature a variety of competing teams serving specialty foods with live music setting the mood for this great family gathering. Attendees will sample the goods straight from the Pitmasters’ grills – all for a great cause! A large portion of proceeds will directly benefit the Gallatin Valley YMCA.
Then, join in for the BBQ Demo Day on Saturday from noon–4pm to check out the biggest names in barbecue. Professional grillmasters from Traeger, Big Green Egg, Ooni, Weber, Gozney and Pit Boss will be on hand to showcase their grills, reveal new products, give live demonstrations, host educational classes, and teach innovative ways to produce great barbecue with ease. Also check in with local representation from Daniels Gourmet Meats & Sausages! After the competition, sample what the teams turned in and see what real competition barbecue tastes like. Stick around until 4pm to see who will be crowned this year’s Montana Pitmaster Champion! This all-ages afternoon is free of admission and open to the public. Food available for sale and sample.
The Montana Pitmaster Classic is a community event sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Professional and amateur contestants from the Northwest and Canada will compete for the Montana State Championship of BBQ in the categories of chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. The overall highest scorer in all categories will become the Grand Master of the tournament and state champion, granting eligibility in the Kansas City Royal. The Montana Pitmaster Classic is a two-day nonprofit event created to increase awareness of the competitive world of barbecue.
Kenyon Noble Lumber & Hardware is located at 1243 W Oak St. in Bozeman. Learn more about the weekend of events by visiting www.montanapitmaster.com. •
