ABOUT THE FAIR
The FIRE&FOOD BBQ WEEK is a trade and consumer exhibition dedicated to grilling, barbecue, outdoor cooking and outdoor living. It caters equally to passionate barbecue enthusiasts, ambitious home cooks, specialist retailers, hospitality professionals, planners and industry experts, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest developments and trends shaping the international BBQ and outdoor cooking sector.
The event is organised by FIRE&FOOD Verlag GmbH, a publishing company that has specialised in premium industry information, inspiration and trend reporting on grilling, barbecue and outdoor cooking since its foundation. Through FIRE&FOOD BBQ WEEK, the company creates a platform where manufacturers, retailers, service providers and consumers can connect directly. The event takes place at MOTORWORLD Köln, a unique venue whose automotive character, spacious event areas and modern infrastructure provide the ideal setting for an immersive barbecue and outdoor lifestyle exhibition.
The focus of the event is on innovative grilling and barbecue techniques, state-of-the-art grills, smokers, planchas and new approaches to outdoor cooking. The exhibition is complemented by presentations of barbecue accessories, cooking equipment, fireplate systems, premium tools and the latest technological innovations for the forthcoming grilling season. Food and culinary experiences also play a central role. Visitors can explore premium meat and seafood products, seasonings, sauces, rubs, beverages and emerging food trends. Product demonstrations, tastings and professional live-cooking presentations provide plenty of opportunities for hands-on experiences and inspiration.
A distinctive feature of FIRE&FOOD BBQ WEEK is its combination of barbecue culture and contemporary outdoor living. In addition to traditional BBQ products, the exhibition showcases solutions for garden and terrace design, outdoor furniture, design concepts and premium lifestyle products for outdoor spaces. Manufacturers and specialists present innovative turnkey solutions aimed at private homeowners as well as landscape designers, garden planners, architects and property developers. The growing role of professional grilling and barbecue concepts within the hospitality sector is also given particular attention, with a focus on high-performance equipment, efficient operating models and modern applications for restaurants, hotels and catering businesses.
FIRE&FOOD BBQ WEEK also serves as an important knowledge-sharing and networking platform. Renowned pitmasters, barbecue experts and leading industry figures share their expertise through masterclasses, workshops and live demonstrations. Highlights include international grilling and cooking competitions such as “Grillup” and the European Plancha Championship, where participants from across Europe compete in the professional use of plancha cooking techniques. The programme is further enhanced by the BBQ Night, an exclusive industry gathering that provides excellent opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas on current market developments and business opportunities.
Exhibitors represent a broad cross-section of the barbecue, outdoor living and food sectors. Participants include manufacturers and retailers of grills, outdoor kitchens, barbecue accessories, seasonings, food and beverage products, garden and terrace solutions, furniture, as well as service providers specialising in planning, hospitality and event management. The visitor profile is equally diverse. Alongside consumers and barbecue enthusiasts, the event attracts retailers, restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, architects, landscape designers, garden planners and purchasing professionals seeking information on new products, market trends and commercial opportunities.
MOTORWORLD Köln is an outstanding venue distinguished by its successful blend of industrial architecture, event culture and visitor experiences. The site is easily accessible by car via the regional motorway network, by public transport through Cologne’s local transit system, and via nearby Cologne Bonn Airport and Cologne Central Station. As a result, FIRE&FOOD BBQ WEEK offers ideal conditions for a successful exhibition visit and has established itself as a key industry event for anyone looking to experience the future of grilling, barbecue and outdoor living at first hand.
The FIRE&FOOD BBQ Week will take place on 3 days from Saturday, 05. September to Monday, 07. September 2026 in Cologne.