Riga Food 2026 invites everyone to the finals of the BBQ face-offs and the first BBQ charity brunch in Latvia

International Expo Centre will host the finals of 2026 BBQ face-offs and the first Latvian charity BBQ brunch. A real grill festival with smell of charcoal, delicious food, friendly atmosphere and fierce rivalry. Visitors who will come to the area at the Centre’s entrance will be able to meet finalists, see celebrities face each other off behind the grill, enjoy specially cooked meals and contribute to a charitable cause. Charity BBQ brunch will raise donations for the POGA Rehabilitation Centre and its little patients.

DJ [Ex] da Bass, or Mareks Dainis, will take care of the festive mood at the BBQ festival, setting the sonic mood to the events throughout the day.

“BBQ always brings people around the dining table, and this event will be even more special. Each burger eaten, and every donation raised, will be used to help the little patients of POGA Rehabilitation Centre. Do not miss out on your opportunity to be there on 12 September and enjoy the special BBQ atmosphere of the Riga Food trade fair, watch the face-off finals and join the good cause,” Pipars or Rojs Puķe, the organiser of the charity brunch and culinary blogger, urges.

Celebrity face-offs
The big finals of BBQ face-offs will kick off on the third day of Riga Food 2026 trade fair, on Saturday, 12 September, at 11:00. The first of finalists, boxer Kristaps Zutis, made it into the last round by beating magician Juris Gavrilovs in the first round of the BBQ face-off competition. Both contestants were tasked with making a delicious burger. Kristaps was mentored by Chef Ēriks Ozollapa, owner of the Munch BBQ restaurant, while Juris was coached by Juris Titovs, President of the Association “Grilētāju brālība/Grill Brotherhood”. Burgers cooked in the first round of the competition were judged by Chef Elmārs Tannis and food blogger Pipars.
Several elimination rounds leading up to the finals will have Latvian celebrities competing for the place in the final round. Each face-off is not only a culinary challenge, but also a chance for the spectators to discover previously hidden sides of the celebrities.

Brunch for the cause
The first ever charity BBQ brunch in Latvia will bring together BBQ chefs, celebrities, foodies and everyone else who wants to support the noble cause. With admission fees going for charity, brunch will take place in a separate, roped-off area. All donations will be transferred to POGA Rehabilitation Centre and used for treatment of its little patients. Visitors will have a chance to taste the juicy burger with mushrooms that gave boxer Kristaps Zutis a place in the finals of the BBQ face-offs 2026.

BBQ face-offs 2026 are organised by Pipars Charity and Grillhouse, supported by Riga Food, Weber grili Latvijā, Oak’A BBQ , NEGANTIgardi, Dimdiņi, Upes vēzis.

To attend the finals of the BBQ face-offs 2026, you will need a valid Riga Food 2026 entrance ticket or an invitation, whereas admission to charity BBQ brunch will require a donation.

From BBQ to cake baking competitions
The largest Baltic food industry event, Riga Food 2026 trade fair, will take place in Ķīpsala on 10–12 September. It offers a diverse range of events for professionals and culinary enthusiasts. Discussions on hot topics, breathtaking masterclasses, expert advice, awesome competitions, latest product launches and tastings. More than 100 events over the course of three days.
The best Latvian shashlik chef will be decided in the second ever Latvian Shashlik Masters’ Championship, which will take place in scope of Riga Food on 10-11 September, with finals following a semi-final round. 10 BBQ chefs, who have made into the finals, will compete for the title of the ultimate shashlik master chef. Come, experience, explore latest trends and inspirations!

Riga Food is organised by BT1 International Expo Company.

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Opening hours:
10–11 September: 10:00–18:00
12 September: 10:00–17:00

Tickets:
Adults: €10
Students, disabled: €8
Group ticket (10+) for pupils, students: €6

Friday and Saturday only! Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children aged 7–18): €25+€2 for each next child
Children under 7 (accompanied by adult): free
Buy tickets in advance for special price: https://ej.uz/rf26_biļetes