American Royal World Series of Barbecue
About this event
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is a food festival in Kansas City, Missouri, at American Royal Complex. The 2026 event takes place Sep 30 – Oct 4, 2026. The world's largest barbecue competition, drawing hundreds of competition teams to Kansas City each fall for invitational and open contests sanctioned with the Kansas City Barbecue Society. A marquee event of the American Royal's autumn festival season.
Annual, late September through early October
Location & directions
American Royal Complex, 1701 American Royal Ct, Kansas City, MO 64102
Frequently asked questions
When is American Royal World Series of Barbecue 2026?
American Royal World Series of Barbecue takes place Sep 30 – Oct 4, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. Annual, late September through early October
Where is American Royal World Series of Barbecue held?
American Royal World Series of Barbecue is held in Kansas City, Missouri, at American Royal Complex, 1701 American Royal Ct, Kansas City, MO 64102.
What is American Royal World Series of Barbecue?
The world's largest barbecue competition, drawing hundreds of competition teams to Kansas City each fall for invitational and open contests sanctioned with the Kansas City Barbecue Society.
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