If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend a few days cooking over live fire with Steven Raichlen, this is your chance. Barbecue University^® returns September 7–10, 2026. It promises to be another extraordinary union of grilling, learning, and eating very well.

Barbecue University^® takes place at Alisal Ranch, a classic California guest ranch just outside historic Solvang. It’s the kind of place that feels made for outdoor cooking—wide-open spaces, fresh air, and plenty of room to gather around the grills. Mornings are spent cooking alongside Steven and the Barbecue Bible team, absorbing techniques, recipes, and the kind of practical details that only come up when you’re actually standing at the fire.

This isn’t a demo-and-watch setup. Everyone cooks. Everyone tastes. There’s time to ask questions, compare notes, and figure out what works (and why). Some people come to strengthen their fundamentals or fine-tune techniques they’ve been using for years. Either way, the focus stays on real cooking you’ll want to repeat—and show off!—once you’re back home.

Afternoons are wide open. You can stay on the ranch and relax, take a walk, ride horses, book a spa appointment, or head into town for a wine tasting and dinner. Evenings tend to bring everyone back together—good food, good conversation, and plenty of barbecue talk.

Over the years, Barbecue University® has built a reputation as one of the most enjoyable ways to learn live-fire cooking. Space is limited, and the sessions do fill up quickly.

For pricing and registration details click here.

Barbecue University® — where the only marks you get are grill marks.

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