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    Texas Cook’Em is Around the Corner!

    EDINBURG, TX – June 2026 Before you see it, you’ll smell it. Hickory and mesquite cutting through the July heat. The low rumble of a crowd that knows it’s exactly where it should be. On Saturday, July 4, 2026, Ebony Hills in Edinburg, Texas becomes the undisputed South Texas capital of Independence Day. And Texas Cook ‘Em 2026 is the reason.

    Presented by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the Rio Grande Valley’s premier BBQ competition and patriotic celebration returns bigger, louder, and hungrier than ever. With more than 12,000 attendees expected, admission is, and always has been, completely free.

    Fire, Smoke, and Something You Won't Forget

    Texas Cook’Em isn’t a backyard cookout. It’s rows of custom-built pits running hot since dawn, smoke rising thick against a South Texas sky, and teams who’ve been perfecting their rubs and timing for months. It’s the sizzle of brisket hitting its mark. The crowd leaning in when scores get posted. The moment the sky goes dark and the fireworks take over.

    This is a sanctioned, professional-level competition recognized by the Champions Barbecue Alliance (CBA) and the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA). This means the pitmasters here aren’t hobbyists. They’re competing. And the Valley gets to eat and enjoy!

    More Than 10,000 People: South Texas Is Showing Up

    More than 8,000 people filled Ebony Hills at the last edition of Texas Cook’Em. In 2026, the goal is 15,000. Families from all over the RGV have made this their Fourth of July tradition.

    Competition teams block out the date months in advance. The community has claimed this event as its own and keeps bringing more people into the fold.

    America Turns 250. The Valley Turns It Up.

    July 4, 2026 isn’t just Independence Day, it’s the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. A sestercentennial and a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Texas Cook’Em will meet that moment with everything it has: an enhanced patriotic program, a fireworks show built for the occasion, and tens of thousands of South Texans gathered together under one sky. Celebrating loudly, proudly and with great BBQ.

    In Their Own Words

    “I am surrounded by a bunch of people I call family now and events like this bring out the best cooks in Texas or in the Nation for that matter.” – Fred Robles – Rio Valley Meat Competition Team- 9 time World BBQ Champion, winning the biggest BBQ competitions there is. A few of his accolades include winning the 2 biggest BBQ competitions in the World, the prestige’s American Royal Open competing against over 500 teams and San Antonio Rodeo.

    United by BBQ

    • Bring the family. It’s free. July 4th at Ebony Hills, Edinburg, TX. No tickets. No cost. Just show up.
    • Register your team. Competition registration is open for CBA & SCA pitmasters.
      Visit https://edinburg.com/texas-cookem-high-steaks-in-edinburg/ to claim your spot.
    • Become a sponsor. Put your brand in front of 12,000+ South Texans on America’s biggest day.
    • Contact ( Ronnie Larralde | [email protected] | +1 (956) 453-1357 )

    Event Details

    Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026

    Location: Ebony Hills | Edinburg, Texas

    Admission: Free to the public

    Competition: CBA & SCA Sanctioned BBQ Championship

    Website: https://edinburg.com/texas-cookem-high-steaks-in-edinburg/

    Media Inquiries: Ronnie Larralde | [email protected] | +1 (956) 453-1357