Some of the West Coast’s most accomplished pitmasters are coming together with their best Texas slow-cooked hickory barbecue, southern Memphis-style barbecue and other barbecue styles across the country at the Queen Mary’s sixth annual West Coast BBQ Classic (WCBC) on Saturday, May 13 from 11:00AM to 6:00PM.

More than 50 barbecue pitmasters and amateur grillers will compete for $11,500 in cash prizes and the chance to win the title of West Coast BBQ Pitmaster Champion. Bacon and dessert categories have also been added to this year’s competition.

“We’re excited to have the West Coast BBQ Classic back and are thrilled to add the bacon and dessert categories for the first time this year,” Queen Mary’s Events and Entertainment Director Steve Sheldon said in a statement. “This event is always overflowing with delicious dishes to taste, but we expect to have more food than ever before as pitmasters and chefs compete for our largest prize pool in the event’s history.”

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The dessert category is chef’s choice with open garnish, in an open container. The desserts will be judged by the KCBS rules and scored on presentation, taste and tenderness.

Attendees will enjoy $2 barbecue samples, live music, backyard-lawn games, bars, contest and a merchant market. They will also have the opportunity to participate in watermelon-eating or cobbler-eating contests. Additionally, kids are invited to Kids Country, provided with games, a bounce house, face painters and potato-sack races.

General value pack tickets, which include five tasting tickets and same-day access to the Queen Mary ship, are $18 through May 1. After May 1, tickets increase to $24. VIP value pack tickets, which include one-hour early event admission in addition to the five tasting tickets and same-day access to the Queen Mary ship, are $34 through May 1 and $39 after May 1. Event parking is $20.

Purchase tickets and find out more information about WCBC on its website here.