Smokers and saddles, livestock judging and high-speed whirling. All are in store (plus so much more) during events with the American Royal. The iconic, 110-plus-year-old institution 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 American Royal competitions in Kansas City:
Historic Roots
By 1899, boastful competition amongst livestock owners had become such a pastime that a cattle show was founded in order to award cash prizes and bragging rights to the biggest and best animals.
The show grew, developed and was eventually named the American Royal — a nod to the established royal livestock shows popular in Great Britain.
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 is a nonprofit that 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 500 teams competing and thousands of people in attendance, this three-day event in Kansas City is no question the highlight of the year for many barbecue enthusiasts.
Note: New in 2026, the American Royal is moving the World Series of Barbecue to its new headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas. Due to ongoing construction at the campus, the 2026 event will be limited to competitors and invited guests only.
World Series of Barbecue 2026: Oct. 30 to Nov. 4
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.
