The Texas Food Championship (TFC) is a three-day culinary and entertainment festival that brings together chefs, pitmasters, and food lovers from across the Lone Star State. Hosted on the waterfront at Water’s Edge Park in Corpus Christi — the Official Host City of the Texas Food Championship — this celebration blends competition, creativity, and community for an unforgettable weekend on the bay.

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From the moment gates open each morning to the final evening concerts, there’s nonstop energy, flavor, and excitement — whether you’re competing, tasting, learning, or simply soaking in the best food sport experience in Texas.

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Thursday — Arrival & Celebration

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The festival begins as competitors from across Texas roll into Corpus Christi for check-in, BBQ setup, and the official Competitor Reception. This evening gathering kicks off the weekend with introductions, music, and camaraderie as chefs, sponsors, and volunteers unite to celebrate the spirit of Texas Food Sport.

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Friday — Kitchen Showdowns, BBQ Smoke & Live Fire Battles

 

Day one of competition features three major Kitchen Categories:

• Burger Championship – the ultimate Texas burger faceoff.

• Vegetarian: Farm to Flame – showcasing plant-forward creativity on the plate.

• Dessert Championship – where Texas pastry chefs and home bakers bring the sweetness.

 

Meanwhile, the BBQ Arena heats up with the first three turn-ins:

• Tailgate – football-inspired parking-lot specialties.

• Ribs – where smoke, tenderness, and sauce go head-to-head.

• Smoked Desserts – the sweet twist on traditional pitmaster flavor.

 

The evening closes with the Live Fire Competition – Battle of the Branches, a high-energy outdoor arena event where teams representing different service branches and organizations compete over open flame.

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After each turn-in, attendees get to take part in People’s Choice Judging, a 30-minute tasting window where festival guests sample competitor dishes and vote for their favorites.

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Saturday — Texas’s Biggest Day in Food Sport

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Saturday brings even more excitement with five Kitchen Categories:

• Bacon – the fan-favorite ingredient showdown.

• Sandwich – creative, stacked, and Texas-sized.

• Noodle – a category for global flavors and southern flair.

• Seafood: Catch + Cook – fresh Gulf Coast ingredients meet chef innovation.

• Top Chef Texas – the pinnacle category, where skill and presentation define excellence.​

 

In the BBQ Competition Zone, pitmasters face three major challenges:

• Wildcard (Pitmaster’s Choice) – anything goes, creativity is key.

• Steak – precision, sear, and flavor perfection.

• Brisket – the most iconic Texas BBQ turn-in of all.​

 

As with Friday, each BBQ turn-in is followed by a People’s Choice tasting session, allowing the crowd to sample and cast their vote for Texas’s best.

 

Sunday — Brunch, Awards & Team Texas

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Sunday begins with the Official Championship Brunch Reception, followed by the Awards Ceremony, where champions are crowned and Team Texas is officially announced. Each category winner earns a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships, representing the Lone Star State on the national stage.

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The weekend closes with live music, community celebration, and plenty of Texas pride as Corpus Christi’s bayfront shines with food, fun, and fellowship.

Beyond Competition — The Full Festival Experience

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In addition to the Kitchen, BBQ, and Live Fire competitions, guests can explore:

• The Beverage Tent, featuring interactive lessons, craft tastings, and People’s Choice cocktail contests.

• The Market Village, filled with Texas artisans, local makers, and culinary vendors.

• Live Music & Entertainment on multiple stages throughout the weekend.

• Family Activities, Demos & Experiences that make TFC fun for all ages.