Four barbecue teams will compete for bragging rights Saturday at Canyon Club Brewery in Moraga, with all proceeds going to the Moraga Education Foundation and the five public schools it supports.

The 2nd Annual Moraga Rib Throwdown runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 29 and is free to enter. Pre-sale tickets are available in three tiers: a $54.88 combo plate from Ofa's Island BBQ, and $98.78 and $142.68 tasting packages that include a serving from each of the four competing crews, sides from Live Oak Grilling and a vote in the event's People's Choice contest — the $142.68 tier also includes soft drinks and beer and wine tickets. Organizer Jon Ruiz built the event around what he describes as a friendly, non-sanctioned culinary competition rooted in community spirit, according to the event's official listing.

Competing crews include Heads and Tails Barbecue out of Berkeley, MexiQ from Oakland, Slow Hand BBQ representing Pleasant Hill and Martinez, and Bad Bears BBQ from American Canyon. Ofa's Island BBQ of San Ramon will serve plates, with sides from Moraga's own Live Oak Grilling. Food is prepared off-site and served fresh; organizers say on-site cooking is planned for future years.

Guest judges Anthony Bartleson, Chef Kris Austin, Chef Emari Stevens and Chris Krzak will pick a winner, while ticket-holders who taste all four ribs can cast their own vote for a People's Choice award.

The music lineup features La Morinda Idol, the Bohrer Brothers Trio and Bay Area emcee Deuce Eclipse. Vintage Vida will run a local swag shop, and Sunday Swing and Beasts of the Bay Strength Gym are providing games and challenges with prizes.

Why it matters for Moraga schools

MEF's fundraising carries real weight in local classrooms. According to a campaign summary on the Moraga Education Foundation website, the foundation's 2025–2026 annual campaign raised enough to grant $3.13 million to beneficiaries for the 2026–2027 school year. At the Moraga Unified School District board meeting on June 9, Superintendent Dr. Parks reported that MEF is increasing its grant to $1.95 million for the 2026–2027 school year, a 10% bump over the prior year.

That $1.95 million flows directly to the district's four schools: Camino Pablo, Los Perales, Rheem Elementary and Joaquin Moraga Intermediate. The event listing also names Campolindo High School as a beneficiary.

Core Construction is the event's Golden Pig Sponsor, with additional support from Buhler Commercial Construction, Loard's, Bluespring Wealth and Axelrode Orthodontics.

Tickets and details are available at ribthrowdown.com. No ticket is required to enter the brewery grounds.