22nd Annual BBQ Cook-Off Taking Place in Mercedes

Updated: January 21, 2025

By Mike Villarreal

Smokin’ on the Rio is returning for its 22nd Annual event at the Mercedes Livestock Showgrounds. This year’s event will take place on February 7th and 8th. It is one of the largest sanctioned BBQ cook-offs in Texas.

Gates will open at 6 PM on Friday and at 9 AM on Saturday. Smokin’ on the Rio World Championship BBQ Cook-Off was established in 2004 by a group of local businessmen aiming to raise money for youth agriculture projects in the Rio Grande Valley. All proceeds from this event are used to purchase student projects for the Sale of Champions at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show.

The main goal of this event is to ensure that students receive a fair return on their livestock investments, encouraging them to participate again and inviting their friends to join in. Smokin’ on the Rio is proud of its success, becoming the largest sanctioned BBQ cook-off in Texas and the United States.

Every year, the event is held on the second Saturday of February at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes and attracts teams from all over. Attendees will have plenty of delicious BBQ, including entries such as fajitas, beans, chicken, pork spare ribs, pork, brisket, and pan de campo.

This year’s entertainment will feature the legendary Josh Turner, along with special guest Mark Chestnut, promising an unforgettable night of country music on Saturday. In 2025, Smokin’ on the Rio will introduce a new feature allowing high school youth teams to compete independently against other school teams as well as with national contenders.
For more information, please visit www.smokinontherio.com.