UNITY RANCH RIB COOK-OFF
June 28, 2026
512 Hogan Dam Rd., Valley Springs, CA 95252
21+ Event
OVERVIEW
The Unity Ranch Rib Cook-Off is a competitive and interactive barbecue experience where
guests take part as judges. Five teams will compete by preparing ribs, while attendees taste
and vote to determine the winner.
EVENT EXPERIENCE
This event combines competition, food, and community. Guests will enjoy a curated outdoor
environment featuring live cooking, music, food vendors, and a relaxed ranch setting.
JUDGE EXPERIENCE
Judge tickets are limited and include rib samples from each competing team. Guests will score each sample and directly participate in selecting the People’s Choice winner.
GENERAL ADMISSION
General admission provides access to the full event experience including vendors, music, and bar. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
COMPETITION
Five teams will compete, each preparing ribs using their own style and flavor. All ribs are provided by Unity Ranch to ensure fairness and consistency across the competition.
PRIZES
First Place: $850
Second Place: $400
Third Place: $200
VENDORS & SPONSORS
A limited number of food and retail vendors will be on site. Local businesses and sponsors will have the opportunity to showcase their brand and connect with the community in a high-energy environment.
PURPOSE
A portion of proceeds will support Free Will Organization and future Unity Ranch community programming, focused on bringing people together through meaningful events.
CONTESTANT DETAILS
ENTRY FEE
$200 per team
TEAMS
5 teams total
WHAT IS PROVIDED
Ribs will be provided by Unity Ranch
Each team will receive six slabs
WHAT TEAMS BRING
Seasonings, sauces, grills or smokers, fuel, and all cooking equipment
COOKING FORMAT
All ribs must be prepared on site during the official cooking window
COOKING SCHEDULE
Arrival: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Cooking Start: 1:00 PM
All ribs must be ready by 5:30 PM
SERVING REQUIREMENT
Teams must provide enough samples for all judges
JUDGING
Guests receive one rib from each team
Scorecards are submitted and tallied
Winners are determined by total scores
EXPECTATION
This is a judged competition with paying guests. Teams are expected to deliver consistent, high-quality food.
All participants must be 21 years of age or older.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Team arrival and setup
12:45 PM
Fire prep
1:00 PM
Official cooking start
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Guest arrival window
Vendors, music, and bar open
5:30 PM
Cooking ends
5:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Judging begins
6:45 PM
Score collection
7:00 PM
Winners announced
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Open hangout, vendors, music, bar, and line dancing