Wendover, NV. $250 registration fee - compete against top chefs for a shot at the grand prize. $28,000 prize pool, with $10,000 directly to the grand champion.

Kennesaw, GA. GBC qualifier. Professionals, amateurs, and children welcome. $10,000 prize pool.

North Charleston, SC. Final round for the Sam's Club tour in the North Charleston region, encompassing NC, PA, MD, VA, CT, and SC. $20,000 prize pool.

Bedford, TX. Events on all 3 days. $11,050 prize pool.

Burlington, ON (CA). Enjoy hundreds of thousands of pounds of delicious ribs throughout the festival while enjoying excellent music from Canadian artists.

Ypsilanti, MI. Part of the Sam's Club National BBQ competition tour. $10,000 prize pool.

Hartford, CT. Registration fee for nonprofit cause. $20,000 prize pool.

Buffalo, NY. What better place to hold a wing festival than the city that started it all? Participate in both the eating and cooking events.

Sparks, NV. Invite-only to compete. Elite cooks compete to impress elite, blind judges for a shot at the prizes. Winners announced Monday. $14,500 prize pool.

Southwest Harbor, ME. Festival lasts from September 9th to the 11th. Smuggler's Den Campground. $12,500 prize pool.