2026 Chuckwagon Cookoff
Featuring Special Guest Barry Corbin
March 6–8, 2026 | Pigeon Forge, TN
Pigeon Forge welcomes Western lifestyle enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone craving a hearty, authentic experience to the 2026 Chuckwagon Cookoff Weekend. Headlining this three-day celebration is legendary actor Barry Corbin, known for his roles in Urban Cowboy, Lonesome Dove, and Northern Exposure, with two special appearances throughout the weekend.
This immersive event celebrates the rich traditions of the American West with an intimate dinner concert, cowboy church, and the annual Chuckwagon Cookoff competition.
About the Cookoff
Chuck wagons will gather at Clabough’s Campground for this one-of-a-kind outdoor cooking competition. Long before food trucks, chuck wagons served as mobile kitchens feeding cowboys on cattle drives. Today’s cookoff honors that history by preserving authentic cooking methods, traditional ingredients, and the spirit of the trail.
Competing wagons will vie for cash prizes, including Most Authentic Wagon, and awards in the following food categories:
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Meat
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Potatoes
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Beans
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Bread
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Dessert
All food must be prepared onsite using provided ingredients, with condiments allowed at the cook’s discretion. Prohibited ingredients are announced prior to the competition.
Event Schedule
Friday, March 6 | 6:00 PM
An Intimate Dinner Concert with Barry Corbin & Jeff Carson
📍 Mama’s Farmhouse
208 Pickel Street, Pigeon Forge
Enjoy dinner and an evening of stories as Barry Corbin shares highlights from his career and answers audience questions.
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Tickets: $50 (includes dinner and show)
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Seating: General admission, first-come, first-served
Saturday, March 7 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Chuckwagon Cookoff Competition & Western Activities
📍 Clabough’s Campground
405 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge
Free activities begin at 9:00 AM and include:
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Buckaroo Roundup with Cal Farley’s Children’s Home
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Old-time Western shootout reenactments with the Dead Tree Desperados and Shadow Riders
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Tours of the Sisters on the Fly Cowgirl Caravan vintage campers
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Western poetry and storytelling under the big tent (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
🕧 12:30 PM – Barry Corbin appearance and Q&A
🍽️ A limited number of lunch tickets (served at noon) are available for $15.
Sunday, March 8
Cowboy Church & Breakfast
📍 Stages West
2765 Parkway, Pigeon Forge
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Breakfast served at 8:30 AM
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Church service begins at 10:00 AM
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Breakfast tickets: $5 per person
Learn more – https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/cookoff
