Saturday, April 11th, 2026 | 11AM-4PM

Olive Branch

The tantalizing aroma of sizzling wings and ribs will once again fill the air as the DeSoto Wings and Ribs Competition and Festival returns to DeSoto County.

Wing enthusiasts and families alike are invited to indulge in a day of flavor, fun, and philanthropy from 11 am to 4 pm. Prepare for an even more electrifying showdown this year as the Rib Cook off Association is officially sanctioning the rib AND wings portion of our competition, guaranteeing a battle between the mid-south's grill masters like you've never seen before.

WINGS AND RIBS TEAM INFO & REGISTRATION

We look forward to seeing you and your team at the 2026 competition and festival!

TEAM REGISTRATION WILL OPEN SOON!

TEAMS MAY SIGN UP FOR THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

  • RIBS ($100 - Must provide 6 ribs for judging)

  • TRADITIONAL WINGS ($150 - Must provide 10 wings for judging)

  • UNIQUE WINGS ($150 - Must provide 10 wings for judging)

  • TRADITIONAL WINGS & UNIQUE WINGS ($200)

  • RIBS & TRADITIONAL WINGS ($200)

  • RIBS & UNIQUE WINGS ($200)

  • RIBS & TRADITIONAL WINGS & UNIQUE WINGS ($250)

  • PEOPLE’S CHOICE ($50 - WINNER TAKES HALF! (Must provide 300 wings for judging)

CASH PRIZES!

Battle it out for cash prizes ranging from $100 to $800, plus the ultimate bragging rights. More details coming soon!

Cook-Off Categories Include:

  • Traditional Wings

  • Unique Wings

  • Ribs

  • People’s Choice Wings – Let the crowd decide (50/50 split)

Whether you’re a backyard pitmaster or seasoned pro, this is your moment to shine.

Sponsor this Event

You make all the difference!

For more information about opportunities to sponsor the event and partner with DeSoto Dream Center in serving our community, please contact

Terri Sparkman at tsparkman@desotodreamcenter.org

Sponsor this Event

Wing Eating

Do you love to eat hot wings? We have two amazing options for you! Enter the Blazin’ Challenge or be a People’s Choice Taster, or do BOTH! Sign up for either of these at the INFO TENT on April 11th at the festival.

Blazin’ Challenge

Here is your chance to be the Hot Wing Champion. The first 25 participants to sign up will be entered in the Wing Eating Competition to be held at 3:00pm. The Entry fee to compete is $15 and includes all of the hot wings that your mouth can handle!

PLEASE CHECK IN AT THE INFO TENT BY 2:30PM.

People’s Choice Taster

  • Purchase your People’s Choice Taster Ticket for $25 per person

  • Includes four People’s Choice Voting Chips

  • Sample championship-worthy wings from every participating team while supporting the DeSoto County Dream Center

PURCHASE PEOPLE’S CHOICE TICKETS AT THE INFO TENT.

Event Schedule TBD

Volunteer to Serve

Help us build a strong community one relationship at a time!

VOLUNTEER FOR THIS EVENT