WCBBQ Underwriter & Guest Cook-off FAQs

What are the dates of the cook-off?
Thursday–Saturday
February 25th – February 27th, 2027

What are the hours of the cook-off?
Officially, the cook-off is open the following hours:
Thursday: 5pm – 11pm
Friday: Noon – 11pm
Saturday: 9am – 11pm

Where is the cook-off?
The cook-off is in the south parking lot of NRG Stadium (1 NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054).

How do I get onto the grounds of the cook-off?
Yes, it cost to walk through the front gates and into the grounds of the cook-off.

Adults & Children over 13  – $25
Child (ages 3-12) – $10 / 2 & under – Free
Season Pass – Adult – $55

Purchase tickets on HLSR website

Ticket purchase at the gate is not required if you have a current HLSR badge or special HLSR credentials. This is a charitable contribution to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship fund that everyone must pay at the entrance gate to enter.

*** This is something we have no control over, but the money does go to a good cause.

Can my children come to the Third Coast Cookers tent?
Children are allowed on the cook-off grounds and inside the Third Coast Cookers tent until 7pm each night. 

*** After 7pm, the tent is 21 years old and over.

What is the difference between a VIP badge and a Guest wristband?
Your VIP badge will get you access into the tent all three nights of the cook off.  A VIP badge will also allow you to be admitted into the tent ahead of any guests that may be in line.

A guest wristband is only good on its designated day.

When do you serve dinner?
Dinner service is from 5:30pm-7:30pm

Leftovers will be set aside in a serve yourself area. We do not guarantee quantity or times.