Whether determining the smokiest sauce, most mouthwatering ribs or any number of cuisine-specific categories, part of the spirit of ‘cuing in KC is friendly competition. The result is that Kansas City’s calendar is full of barbecue festivals, tournaments and other events.
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue
Recognized as the biggest barbecue contest and celebration in the world, The American Royal World Series of Barbecue welcomes more than 600 local, national and international teams for this three-day event at Kansas Speedway. The end-all be-all competition that decides the best ‘cue smokers on the planet and is no question the highlight of the year for many barbecue enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, a two-day festival dubbed the Cowtown Family Fun Fest accompanies the competition, offering everything from live music performances and a car show to a poker tournament and a petting zoo. Oh, and barbecue samplings, of course.
World Series of Barbecue: Oct. 31-Nov. 3
Other Popular Contests
- Great Lenexa BBQ Battle
- Made for KC BBQ Championship