Pitmasters in Paradise

2026 Thank You

Thank you to everyone who helped make Pitmasters in Paradise such an incredible success. What we experienced together was more than just a weekend of great food, music, and fun; it was a true celebration of community, passion, and collaboration.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsors, Visit Central Florida and Whiskey Bent BBQ Supply, whose support and partnership with us at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale helped bring this event to life in such a meaningful way.

To the BBQ teams, thank you for bringing your passion, talent, and competitive spirit. Your dedication to the craft is what made this event truly special, and we are honored to have hosted such an incredible group of pitmasters.

To the vendors, we are so grateful for your partnership and support. Your contributions created an atmosphere that allowed guests to shop, explore, and experience offerings beyond BBQ; adding even more depth and energy to the event.

Additional Sponsors: TECO Energy, Performance Golf Carts, Imperial Polk Bottling Company, and Iron Oaks DTF Transfers — thank you for your continued support and investment in making this event possible. Your contributions played a key role in enhancing the overall experience and helping us deliver a seamless and memorable weekend for all who attended.

To the volunteers from One More Child and kidsPACK, thank you for your time, heart, and dedication throughout the event. Your presence and support helped create a meaningful impact far beyond the event itself.

A sincere thank you to the Auburndale Police Department and Auburndale Fire Department for your partnership and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all guests throughout the weekend.

To the entertainers, thank you for setting the tone and keeping the energy alive throughout the event. A special thank you to Michael Ray for an unforgettable performance Saturday night that helped make the weekend truly memorable.

And to our community and guests, thank you for showing up, supporting, and celebrating the final stop in the Triple Crown. Your attendance helped support the incredible missions of kidsPACK and One More Child.

Together, we created something unforgettable and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.

Fins Up, and we’ll see you next time. Stay tuned — 2027 dates coming soon!

2027 Dates Coming Soon

Experience the ultimate island-inspired BBQ throwdown in Central Florida. Pitmasters in Paradise invites competitors, families, food lovers, and music fans to join us for a high-energy weekend filled with fire-smoked flavor, live music, games, local makers, and unforgettable memories.

Whether you're here for the competition, the community, or the experience, this is where BBQ culture meets the laid-back island state of mind.

Presented by Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, Visit Central Florida, and Whiskey Bent BBQ Supply

Pitmasters in Paradise proudly serves as the third and final stop of the Triple Crown of BBQ, presented by Visit Central Florida.

Stay tuned—2027 dates will be announced soon.

Event Details

A Man Holding A Microphone And A Sign With Text

In 2027, this community celebration returns bigger than ever, bringing together local makers, food trucks, live music, and families for a high-energy, weekend-long experience centered around connection and discovery. Guests can explore unique vendors, enjoy a wide variety of flavors, experience live entertainment throughout the day, and take advantage of an expanded Kids Zone featuring engaging, family-friendly activities designed just for younger guests.

More than just an event, it’s a chance to come together, support local businesses, and create lasting memories. With interactive experiences, incredible food, dedicated spaces for kids, and nonstop entertainment, this 2027 celebration delivers an exciting, feel-good atmosphere for all ages from start to finish.

Details

Pitmasters in Paradise 2027 welcomes BBQ teams from across the region and beyond to compete in a high-energy, professionally judged competition featuring traditional BBQ categories and cash prizes. Building on the momentum of 2026, which brought together over 40 competing teams, this year’s event is set to be even bigger, raising the bar for talent, competition, and overall experience. From low-and-slow classics to bold, creative flavors, teams bring their best to the pit for a chance to stand out.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an up-and-coming competitor, this is your opportunity to showcase your skills, connect with fellow pitmasters, and be part of an unforgettable culinary experience.

Team Info

Pitmasters in Paradise 2027 is more than a BBQ competition, it’s a high-energy, multi-day experience where championship pitmasters, live music, and thousands of guests come together for an unforgettable weekend. As the event continues to grow, 2027 will deliver an even bigger stage, more immersive activations, and expanded opportunities to connect with a highly engaged audience. From the first bite to the final encore, every moment is designed to create lasting impressions for both guests and brands.

Sponsoring Pitmasters in Paradise goes beyond traditional exposure. It’s about becoming part of the experience. Your brand is seamlessly integrated into the guest journey through interactive touchpoints, on-site activations, and meaningful engagement opportunities. Connect with an audience that is passionate about food, entertainment, and the Margaritaville lifestyle while aligning your brand with one of Central Florida’s most exciting and rapidly growing events.

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