Application

BBQ Cook-Off

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Deadline: May 01, 2026 11:59 pm (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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Date: Jun 11, 2026 6:00 pm - Jun 13, 2026 10:00 pm (EST)
place
Athens, Georgia
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Free

About the application

"Embracing the Hot Corner Spirit: A Time for Unity"

 

Welcome to the Hot Corner Festival 2026! We are excited to announce that the festival will be a three-day event, culminating with the main festival celebration on June 13th! We appreciate your interest and participation. This is the BBQ Cook-Off Application, intended for individuals, teams, or businesses participating in the festival’s BBQ competition by preparing and serving barbecue for judging and/or public tasting.

Please review the available application materials carefully and feel free to reach out with any questions. This agreement is completed electronically, and by proceeding, you acknowledge, validate, and approve the terms of this agreement in electronic form.

 

Please note, when completing the application put "N/A" for business name if it does not apply. 

 

Thanks

Hot Corner Association, Inc

History, Community, Diversity

 

About the event

For 25 years, the Hot Corner Association has celebrated and uplifted the heart of Athens’ African-American business community through the Hot Corner Festival. Held annually on the second weekend in June, this vibrant block-party brings together local businesses, great food, and live entertainment while highlighting the rich history and cultural legacy of the Hot Corner for the entire Athens community. Beyond the festival, the Hot Corner Association is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and growth of businesses in downtown Athens by developing educational workshops, special events, and initiatives that encourage, promote, and support business diversity. "History, Community, Diversity"
East Side Players
East Side Players
East Side Players
East Side Players

Terms & Conditions

BBQ Cook-Off Participant Terms & Conditions

  1. Application & Approval
    All BBQ Cook-Off participants must submit a completed application by the stated deadline. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. The Festival Committee reserves the right to approve or deny applications based on space availability, team readiness, and overall event needs.
  2. Participant Eligibility
    Participants may be individuals, teams, or registered businesses. All participants must comply with festival rules, local health regulations, and competition guidelines.
  3. Fees & Payment
    Entry fees, if applicable, must be paid in full by the designated deadline to secure a spot in the competition. 
  4. Health, Safety & Sanitation
    Participants must comply with all local and state health regulations. Proper food handling, temperature control, and sanitation practices are required at all times. Failure to comply may result in disqualification or removal from the festival.
  5. Setup & Breakdown
    Participants must arrive during assigned setup times and be fully prepared to cook by the competition start time. Early breakdown or departure without prior approval is not permitted. Participants are responsible for cleaning their cooking area before leaving.
  6. Equipment & Supplies
    Participants are responsible for providing all cooking equipment, utensils, ingredients, fuel, tents, tables, and other materials needed for competition. All equipment must be safely set up and maintained.
  7. Cooking & Fire Safety
    BBQ cooking may involve open flames, smokers, grills, or propane. Participants must comply with fire code regulations and ensure fire safety at all times. Fire extinguishers are required for each cooking station.
  8. Judging & Competition Rules
    Judging criteria, rules, and guidelines will be provided prior to the event. Participants agree to adhere to all competition rules. Decisions made by judges are final.
  9. Taste Testing & Public Interaction
    If serving food to the public, participants must ensure proper handling and serving practices. Any illness or injury resulting from unsafe food handling is the responsibility of the participant.
  10. Insurance & Liability
    Participants may be required to provide proof of general liability insurance. All participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival, its organizers, sponsors, and volunteers from any claims, damages, or losses arising from their participation.
  11. Weather Policy
    The festival will take place rain or shine. Participants are responsible for protecting themselves, their equipment, and ingredients from weather-related conditions.
  12. Media Release
    By participating in the BBQ Cook-Off, participants grant the Hot Corner Festival and the Hot Corner Association permission to photograph, record, and use images or videos of their team, cooking area, or food for promotional purposes without additional compensation.
  13. Cancellations & No-Shows
    Participants who fail to attend or cancel after the designated deadline forfeit any fees or deposits unless otherwise approved by the Festival Committee.

 


Agreement & Acceptance
By submitting an electronic application, participants acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to these terms and conditions and accept this agreement electronically.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Questions on the application

Business information

  • Business name
  • Legal business name
  • Contact name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Website (Optional)
  • Logo (Optional)

Additional information

  • By signing your name, you agree to our terms and conditions.

Picture requirements

  • Minimum pictures required: 0
BBQ Cook-Off
BBQ Cook-Off
Hot Corner Festival 2026