Pork 'n' Hops Challenge Brings Big-Time Barbecue to Grand Junction

This barbecue cook-off serves up tons of food and live music every September

If you enjoy TV shows like "Top Chef," "Iron Chef," "Hell's Kitchen" and "Chopped," then you'll love Grand Junction's Pork 'n' Hops Challenge.

The annual finger-lickin' culinary competition combines barbecue, live music and cold brews for one unforgettable western Colorado weekend. Professional grill-tenders from around the country serve up their best hickory, mesquite, St. Louis-style and baby back ribs for a serious $20,500 cash prize.

The Pork 'n' Hops Challenge stretches over two days, from Friday to Saturday, in early September at Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction. Guests take in big-name bands, browse food vendors and have an opportunity to taste the competitors' barbecue during a special tasting. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the event gate.

Think you've got the sauce and skills to compete? Enter the Pork 'n' Hops Challenge amateur category for the chance to walk away with prizes and bragging rights.