BBQ Excellence: The October 2026 Barbecue News Magazine Is Here
There's something about that first hint of cooler weather that tells every barbecue fan what time of year it is. Fall has arrived, the BBQ majors are starting to fire, and the October 2026 issue of Barbecue News Magazine is ready to read now.
This month's theme is BBQ Excellence, and it shows up on every page, from championship teams and world-class classes to the young cooks who are already carrying barbecue into its next chapter.
Meet the Anchor of the New BBQ Newscast
The National Barbecue & Grilling Association and Barbecue News Magazine are bringing the week's barbecue headlines together in a new weekly social media newscast, The Barbecue News with Erica Blaire. Erica is an award-winning pitmaster, entrepreneur and television personality who has lived this world as a competitor, so the newscast speaks to everyone from industry pros to backyard cooks. Get the full story inside.
Introducing Pitmaster Connect
NBBQA is launching Pitmaster Connect, a new members-only program that links businesses needing temporary barbecue talent with pitmasters looking for paid work. Retailers, restaurants, caterers, brands and event producers can find skilled help for product demos, grand openings, catering and pit staffing, while pitmasters can offer their services for hire. This issue explains how it works.
The Future of Q Is HOT
Our youth coverage is stronger than ever. Michelle O'Guin shares what it's like raising a food sport competitor who started at just four years old. "A Pit, A Pork Chop & A Girl" follows Rae Barker from a five-year-old at the pit to the Fire Woman Challenge stage at the World Food Championships. Future of Q contributor Kaiden Blake cooks an Argentinian ribeye roast over Santa Maria-style live fire.
Also Inside the October Issue
- When the BBQ Majors Start Firing: Publisher Kell Phelps on the fall stretch of the competition calendar
- SCA World Championship XIII: the championship moves to Pensacola, Florida, March 10–14, 2027
- "Mr. Jim" James Holland, See Ya' Later: a tribute to a friend of the barbecue family
- Going Back to School at Barbecue University: a trip to Steven Raichlen's hands-on class at Alisal Ranch
- Northern Fire Grilling & BBQ Supply: a spotlight on the Minnesota BBQ Society's trusted partner
- The Fire That Never Went Out: Series 5 and Smoked Pickled Salmon & Grasshopper Sauce
- Product reviews: Krusteaz Cornbread, the Bevel & Bond Grain Maple Cutting Board and Lifespace
- Fall Is In The Air, plus the Calendar of Events and October Calendar
Barbecue News Magazine continues to serve as a trusted storytelling platform for the barbecue world. Each issue shines a light on the pitmasters, restaurants, product makers, event organizers, youth cooks, sponsors and families who keep this industry moving forward.
NBBQA unites the barbecue world. Barbecue News Magazine tells its stories. Future of Q grows its future. Together, we help barbecue grow stronger.
Not a member yet? Join NBBQA to get Barbecue News Magazine every month.