The Mauldin Cultural Center is gearing up for another epic pig-out with the 16th annual SOOIE. BBQ Cook-Off presented by Duke’s Mayonnaise on Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12. This two-day event will feature more than 20 cookers along with live music and family-friendly activities at the Cultural Center’s outdoor amphitheater at 101 E. Butler Rd.
“The SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off is a wonderful celebration of good food, good times and community,” Mayor Terry Merritt said. “Over the past 16 years, SOOIE has become a beloved tradition in Mauldin, bringing people together from across South Carolina to enjoy delicious barbecue, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. We’re excited to welcome everyone back this year to experience the energy and community spirit that make Mauldin so special.”
Schedule
The festival opens on Friday night at 6 p.m. with the Anything Butt competition, where teams can serve any dish of their choice to pique festivalgoers’ tastebuds. Everything is on the table with this competition – everything BUTT their BBQ. That includes sliders, grilled chicken, smoked cobbler and fried alligator bites. A panel of guest judges will pick their favorite item and give out a special award at the awards ceremony on Saturday. Friday night will also feature live music by Chris Taylor and The Rumor starting at 6 p.m.
Saturday features the main event – a BBQ cook-off competition with a panel of certified BBQ Tasters from the South Carolina Barbeque Association. Members of the public can sample pulled pork from cook teams of their choosing and have a chance to cast their vote for the best BBQ and the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Saturday will also feature live music from Pickety Split from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional food and beverage vendors, along with Traveling Taps, will be on site for the event. The WOW! Fiber Internet Kids Zone will offer activities including face painting, balloon art and inflatables. Returning this year is the Backyard Oasis, sponsored by Ace Hardware, which will provide a space to relax with hammocks, fire pits and shaded seating.
“Year after year, the SOOIE BBQ Cook-Off proves to be our largest and most anticipated celebration,” Cultural & Tourism Manager Gina McAtee said. “We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for another exciting weekend of delicious barbeque, great live music and community spirit.”
Pricing
Admission, parking, live music and the Kids Zone are free of charge; guests pay only for food and drink. Prices are as follows:
- $5 for sheet of 5 tickets
- 1 ticket = $1 (or 1 BBQ sample on Saturday)
- Drinks and alcohol are $1-6, paid directly to beverage providers; tickets are not accepted
Parking
Parking is recommended at the following locations:
- Mauldin Cultural Center – 101 E. Butler Rd
- Mauldin City Hall – 5 E. Butler Rd
- Mauldin Sports Center – 10 City Center Drive
- Mauldin Methodist Church – 100 E. Butler Rd
Additional Details
Lawn chairs and/or blankets are welcome at the outdoor amphitheater, and leashed dogs are allowed. Outside food and beverages are prohibited at the event. Weapons, skateboards, scooters, hoverboards and bicycles are also prohibited, and there is no smoking allowed.
This event takes place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, all weather-related announcements will be made on the Mauldin Cultural Center’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Event sponsors include Duke’s Mayonnaise, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, WOW! Fiber Internet, Ace Hardware, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Eggs Up Grill, Greenville News/LocaliQ, Joyce Factory Direct, Renewal by Andersen, and Swamp Rabbit Moving.
For more information, visit www.mauldinbbq.com.