Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, 11AM-3PM

DAY ONE: LOCAL SMOKE showcases our love for local ‘que, featuring our favorite local restaurants, bbq joints, pitmasters and chefs. Dance to live music, shop at the vendor market place, experience cooking demos, and be part of fans that crown your favorite BBQ alongside celebrity judges.

Day One Tickets include entrance to the festival, music, BBQ demos, and festival judging. Food and beverage are purchased separately.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the Madison College Foundation and Badger Prairie Needs Network.

• FOOD: All food and BBQ on Day One is available for purchase. Pitmasters, chefs and vendors will be bringing their bbq favorites for guests to buy, with dishes priced between $6-$8 so you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of ‘cue! You’ll find the BBQ line-up here. 

• MUSIC: Rucksack Revolution and Cork and Bottle String Band 

• DEMOS: Joe Thomas and Hall of Fame Beef, Tory Miller, Ali Clem, Don Nguyen 

• MARKET VENDORS: Coming Soon!

CELEBRITY JUDGES:

• Michelle Wallace, Wisconsin Top Chef Fan Favorite and Pitmaster

• Joe Thomas, NFL Hall of Famer and Badger Legend

• Matt Hamilton, Olympic Gold Medalist and Curler

• Michael Johnson, President, Boys and Girls Club of Dane County

• Tory Miller, Chef and Owner of Graze and L’Etoille