Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber is bringing back one of the Alabama Gulf Coast's most popular food events. The 4th Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge, presented by Columbia Southern University, will return to Orange Beach. The event is a fundraiser for the chamber's education programs. Professional and amateur cooks from across the Southeast are invited to compete.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at The Wharf's Marina Lawn, between Levin's Bend condominium and the Orange Beach Event Center. Organizers say competitors will cook tailgate-themed dishes centered on bacon. The cook-off is hosted by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber (CABC), which has served the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area since 1981.

The top prize at the competition is a Golden Ticket to compete in the bacon category at the World Food Championships (WFC), which will be held later this year in Indianapolis, Ind. A panel of judges certified in the WFC's proprietary scoring system, the E.A.T.™ Methodology, will select the Golden Ticket winner. Event attendees will also vote for a People's Choice Award.

Past Golden Ticket winners have come from across the region. In 2023, Chef Geoff Maynard of Memphis, Tenn., won the top spot. Maynard had already earned a WFC Golden Ticket before competing and awarded the 2023 ticket to the next-highest finisher, Maegan Bratton of Gulf Shores. The Gulf, based in Orange Beach, won in 2024, and Wolf Bay Lodge of Foley took home the Golden Ticket in 2025.

Cooks who want to compete can register for the $100 entry fee. The competition is open to individuals and teams, both amateur and professional. Rules, details, and the sign-up form are available on the event's registration page on the CABC website.

Tickets for those who just want to attend are $20 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Admission includes entry to The Wharf's Marina Lawn, 10 sampling tickets for competitors' food, and one vote for the People's Choice Award. Drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will be available for purchase at the event.

Attendees are also encouraged to dress in their best college football fan attire, as organizers will be giving out a "best dressed fan" award. The tailgate theme runs throughout the event, from the food to the dress code, making it a celebration of football season food culture. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact CABC Director of Events and Sponsorships Kimberly Ray at kimberly@mygulfcoastchamber.com or by calling 251.968.7208.