DMV Kosher Brisket BBQ Competition
Low and Slow Wins the Show
Monday, October 13th, 2025
Capital Camps and Retreat Center
Waynesboro, PA
(60 miles from Baltimore and DC area)
The DMV Kosher BBQ Brisket Competition is here to show that real BBQ— smoked meat, cooked slowly at low temperatures, over wood and charcoal, is not only fully possible within the bounds of kashrut, but should be the norm at every “BBQ” meal and event one attends. This event brings together skilled pitmasters from our own communities and beyond, curious food lovers and kosher-keeping folks to push our culinary expectations to a higher level. All under the supervision of the Star K.
Who is this for?
You, BBQ snobs who get annoyed when people think BBQ means braised meat slathered in sauce, or grilled burgers and dogs. If you bust out your smoker for a chag and buy your whole brisket packer-cut still in the cryo, you are in the right place. It’s time for kosher-observant smoked meat lovers to gather, show off their skills to the community, and enjoy each other’s company.
What:
This is a KCBS-sanctioned competitor series event, kashrut supervised by the Star K. For kosher logistical purposes, this will be a 1-meat (brisket) competition.
Competition Entry fee-$100/team
First Place-$500
Second Place-$250
Third Place-$100
Where:
Capital Camps and Retreat Center is a Star-K supervised facility 75-90 minutes from Baltimore and DC in the beautiful Catoctin mountains.
When:
Sunday, October 12th 1:00 p.m.- arrival for prep
Monday, October 13th 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.- event time (open to the public)
Registration Deadline: September 19th, 2025
Why:
Because our community deserves the real deal.
TASTE
Who is this for:
Everyone is welcome!
Whether you’re kosher-keeping, BBQ-curious, or just hungry, join a celebration of food, fun, and flavor. Perfect for families, foodies, and friends of all ages.
What:
A mouthwatering day of tasting slow-smoked brisket, friendly competition, music, activities, and more.
Your ticket includes a simple grilled picnic lunch, tastings from competing teams, fun activities, and a vote in the “People’s Choice” award!
Under the supervision of the Star K
Where:
Capital Retreat Center
12750 Buchanan Trail East
Waynesboro, PA 17268
(about 60 miles from DC and Baltimore areas)
When:
Monday, October 13th, 2025
Gates open: 11:00 AM
Tastings begin: 12:00 PM
Event ends: 2:00 PM
Why:
Because Kosher-observant folks deserve better than braised meat and sauce.
Purchase Tickets
COMPETE
October 12th-13th, 2025
Calling for teams looking to compete! Professional Teams, Friends, men’s clubs, civic organizations. The more the merrier. All skill levels welcome.
Who is this for?
You, BBQ snobs who get annoyed when people think BBQ means braised meat slathered in sauce, or grilled burgers and dogs. If you bust out your smoker for a chag and buy your whole brisket packer-cut still in the cryo, you are in the right place. It’s time for kosher-observant smoked meat lovers to gather, show off their skills to the community, and enjoy each other’s company. This is a KCBS one-meat, competitor series competition.
What:
This is a KCBS-sanctioned competitor series event, kashrut supervised by the Star K. For kosher logistical purposes, this will be a 1-meat (brisket) competition.
Competition Entry fee-$125/team
First Place-$650
Second Place-$450
Third Place-$325
People’s Choice Award: $325
Where:
Capital Camps and Retreat Center is a Star-K supervised facility 75-90 minutes from Baltimore and DC in the beautiful Catoctin mountains.
When:
Sunday, October 12th 1:00 p.m.- arrival for prep
Monday, October 13th 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m.- event time (open to the public)
Registration Deadline: September 19th, 2025
Why?
Because our community deserves the real deal.Details:
- Competition Entry Fee-$125/team + wholesale cost (to be split evenly by team) of whole untrimmed/packer cut briskets
- Bunk-house bed and shower-$25/person
- Kosher dinner/continental breakfast/coffee/-$50/person (required, as no outside food is allowed on-site)
- Upgraded-hotel lodging option, up to 2 people/room-$200/room (option)
- Use of in-house 18 1/2” Weber Smokey Mountain smoker and chimney
- Use of in-house thermometers, utensils, and kitchen supplies
- Pop-up tent/table/chairsLimited Camping allowed (free, no utility hookups)
Optional hotel-style room upgrades (private bathroom/queen beds). $200 single occupancy/$100 shared occupancy
Rules:
- All component ingredients for rubs must be unopened in order to go through approval by the Star K and assembled onsite.
- All food preparation must take place on site, under the supervision of the Star K
- Fires must be lit by Star K mashgiach or his delegate
- All smokers/utensils/cooking equipment will be provided by CCRC to ensure standards of the Star K are met. Personal smoker/utensils/cooking equipment may be brought from home, but MUST be new/in the box/assembled on-site, to be inspected and approved by the Star K
- Charcoal and smoke wood are not provided and are the responsibility of the participating teams
- No smoker modifications (including electric fans or probes) allowed.
- One smoker per team.