Smokers and saddles, livestock judging and high-speed whirling. All are in store (plus so much more) during events with the American Royal, an iconic, 110-plus-year-old institution that hosts competions all year long, featuring more than 40 activities and attracting visitors from across the country.
Here’s everything you need to know about the American Royal:
Historic Roots
The Modern American Royal
Today, most assume the American Royal is all about livestock shows, rodeos and the world’s largest barbecue competition. That may be true, but the underlying purpose is much more altruistic.
The American Royal strives to educate the public about the role of agriculture in the 21st century. As a result, the organization donates more than $1 million each year to benefit scholarships, agriculture education and competitive learning.
The World Series of Barbecue
The main attraction for carnivores and barbecue lovers, the World Series of Barbecue is just that: the end-all be-all competition that decides the best ‘cue smokers on the planet. With more than 600 teams competing and tens of thousands of people in attendance, this three-day event at Kansas Speedway is no question the highlight of the year for many barbecue enthusiasts.
Friday night’s Pit Party brings the live music, games, food and fun to Pit Road. Then on Saturday and Sunday, the infield of Kansas Speedway is transformed into a huge backyard party with more barbecue, games, family activities and more. Don’t miss Bobbin’ in Baked Beans, KC Meat Races and Sauce Wrestling.
World Series of Barbecue 2025: Nov. 5-9
The American Royal also inducts the year’s Barbecue Hall of Fame each fall, the industry’s top honor for significant contributions to the barbecue community.
And the ‘cue competitions aren’t limited to the fall. The American Royal hosts three more barbecue events in the spring to find the best sauce, rub, steaks and backyard cook teams.
Equine Events, Rodeo and Livestock Judging
The American Royal hosts many other events throughout the year, each unique in their celebrations of the modern agriculture world:
- Equine Events: Headlined by the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show, the wide variety of competition styles make these shows can’t-miss affairs.
- Rodeo: With pro and youth divisions, onlookers can expect to cheer on the best cowboys in the world — plus the future stars of tomorrow.
- Livestock Judging: The Livestock Show is a tribute to Kansas City’s past, and its place as one of the centers of agriculture in the country.
