ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is bringing back one of the Alabama Gulf Coast’s most popular food events, with the 4th Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge set to return to Orange Beach later this month.
Presented by Columbia Southern University, the tailgate-themed cook-off is a fundraiser supporting the chamber’s education programs and draws professional and amateur cooks from across the Southeast. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at The Wharf’s Marina Lawn, between the Levin’s Bend condominium and the Orange Beach Event Center.
A Bacon-Centered Showdown
Organizers say competitors will prepare tailgate-themed dishes centered on bacon. The cook-off is hosted by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, which has served the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area since 1981.
The top prize is a Golden Ticket to compete in the bacon category at the World Food Championships, held later this year in Indianapolis. A panel of judges certified in the WFC’s proprietary E.A.T. Methodology scoring system will select the Golden Ticket winner, while event attendees will separately vote for a People’s Choice Award.
Past Champions
Past Golden Ticket winners have come from across the region. In 2023, Chef Geoff Maynard of Memphis, Tennessee, won the top spot; because he had already earned a WFC Golden Ticket before competing, he passed his 2023 ticket to the next-highest finisher, Maegan Bratton of Gulf Shores. The Gulf, based in Orange Beach, won in 2024, and Wolf Bay Lodge of Foley took home the Golden Ticket in 2025.
How to Compete or Attend
Cooks interested in competing can register for a $100 entry fee, with the competition open to individuals and teams, both amateur and professional. Rules, details and the sign-up form are available on the event’s registration page.
General admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Admission includes access to The Wharf’s Marina Lawn, 10 sampling tickets for competitors’ food, and one vote toward the People’s Choice Award. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase on-site.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best college football fan gear, as organizers will present a “best dressed fan” award, extending the tailgate theme from the food to the crowd. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact CABC Director of Events and Sponsorships Kimberly Ray at kimberly@mygulfcoastchamber.com or by calling 251-968-7208.