Magic City Grill Fest

07/30/2026

07/13/2026

Thank you to all of the teams!, the judges, the volunteers and of course, OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS that help make The Magic City Grill Fest a huge success!

Pork Ribs:
Sponsored by: Clemens Food Group
1st _ On The Brink BBQ Team
2nd _ Blaize-M BBQ
3rd _ Ramsey’s Misfits

Chicken Wings:
Sponsored by: Sand Lake Party Store
1st _ Rack-Star Smokers
2nd _ Fairfax Pallets BBQ
3rd _ Blaize-M BBQ

Ground Beef Sliders - World Food Championships Qualifier – Burger Category:
Sponsored by: Davis and Davis Insurance
Mention: Slider Buns provided by Magic Capital Grille
1st _ Fairfax Pallets BBQ
2nd _ Thurston Woods Culinary Commandos
3rd _ Fireborn Smoke Co.

Grand Champion / 1st Place Overall Points:
Fairfax Pallets

Reserve Grand Champion / 2nd Place Overall Points:
Blaize-M BBQ

Taster’s Choice:
Sponsored by: OMNI Community Credit Union
1st _ Root 12 Guest Chef / Vel’s Cooking & Grilling For My Momma
2nd _ Sand Lake Party Store
3rd _ Blaize-M BBQ

07/12/2026

Magic City Grill Fest 2026 part 1

07/12/2026

Magic City Grill Fest 2026 part 2

07/10/2026

Grill Fest founder, Tim Taylor, appeared on Delaney In the Morning with Ken Delaney to talk up the Magic City Grill Fest.

The smoke will be rolling this Saturday.

07/09/2026

MAGIC CITY GRILLFEST FOLLOWERS!!!!

We are just 2 days away from the 7th Annual Magic City Grill Fest!

Please come out to enjoy some great grilling & BBQ!!!

Hope to see you there!
***!!! The MCGF Event Team !!!***

06/24/2026

Fire up your summer plans! 🔥 The 7th Annual Magic City Grill Fest is coming to downtown Colon on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy mouthwatering barbecue, unlimited tasting opportunities, live competition, raffles, co****le, and family-friendly fun - all while supporting veterans and local community programs. 🍔

This year, the qualified winner of the Beef Slider category will earn a Golden Ticket to the 2026 World Food Championships in Indianapolis!

Come hungry and vote for your favorite in the Taster’s Choice Award 👉 https://www.magiccitygrillfest.com

06/21/2026

Hey Magic City Grill Fest Fans!

To all the DADS firing up the grill today — enjoy the smoke, the sizzle, and the well‑earned day off!!!

And if you catch yourself thinking, “I could compete with the best of them,” you’re probably right!!!

The Magic City Grill Fest has a spot with your name on it!

Please sign up today! 🍖🍗🍔

Happy Father's Day!!!

***!!! The Magic City Grill Fest Event Team !!!***

06/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 7th Annual Magic City Grill Fest Fires Up in Colon on July 11, 2026

COLON, Mich. – Barbecue lovers, backyard grill masters, and families looking for a fun summer event are invited to the 7th Annual Magic City Grill Fest, taking place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in downtown Colon, Michigan—the “Magic Capital of the World.”

This year's festival carries even greater excitement, as the winner of the Beef Slider (Burger) category will receive a coveted Golden Ticket invitation to compete at the 2026 World Food Championships in Indianapolis.

Presented by the Colon American Legion, the Magic City Grill Fest has grown into one of southwest Michigan’s premier outdoor culinary events, bringing together talented grilling teams, great food, friendly competition, and community spirit. The event showcases some of the region’s best barbecue while supporting local veterans and community initiatives.

Throughout the day, grilling teams will compete in three mouthwatering rounds featuring pork ribs, chicken wings, and beef sliders. A panel of judges will award prizes and bragging rights in each category, while attendees can sample entries and cast their votes for the coveted Taster’s Choice Award.

A special highlight of this year's competition is the Beef Slider Round, where the winning team will earn an official Golden Ticket invitation to compete at the prestigious World Food Championships, to be held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, in October 2026. The World Food Championships bring together many of the nation's top culinary competitors, making the Magic City Grill Fest a gateway to one of the most respected food competitions in the country.

"The opportunity to send one of our competitors to the World Food Championships adds another level of excitement and prestige to the event," said Festival Chair, George Collins. "We're proud that the Magic City Grill Fest can provide talented backyard and professional grillers with a chance to compete on the national stage."

“The Magic City Grill Fest is more than just a barbecue competition,” said Collins. “It’s a chance to bring people together, celebrate great food, support a great cause, and showcase everything that makes Colon and our community special.”

In addition to unlimited tasting opportunities, the festival will feature:

Competitive barbecue and grilling teams from across the region.
The popular Taster’s Choice Award, voted on by attendees.

A Co****le Tournament open to participants and spectators.
Raffles, prizes, and family-friendly entertainment.

A post-event celebration at the Colon American Legion, open to everyone.

Whether you're a serious barbecue enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable summer outing with family and friends, the Magic City Grill Fest offers a full day of food, fun, and fellowship.

Event Details
What: 7th Annual Magic City Grill Fest
When: Saturday, July 11, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: 123 E. State Street, Colon, Michigan
Admission: Taster’s Tickets available for $20. Team registration is also open for competitors.

For complete event information, team registration, taster tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and the full schedule, visit www.magiccitygrillfest.com⁠ or follow Magic City Grill Fest on Facebook for updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes previews.

About Magic City Grill

The Magic City Grill Fest is an annual barbecue and grilling festival hosted by the Colon American Legion. The event celebrates the art of outdoor cooking while bringing together community members, visitors, and grilling enthusiasts for a day of competition, entertainment, and charitable support benefiting veterans and local community programs.

Media Contact:
George Collins
[email protected]
(616)901-8069
Website: www.magiccitygrillfest.com⁠
Facebook: facebook.com/magiccitygrillfest
Instagram: instagram.com/magiccitygrillfest