Kansas City Entertainment

World’s largest barbecue competition returns to Kansas Speedway: How to go

The World Series of Barbecue, one of the signature events of the annual American Royal, will fill the infield at Kansas Speedway this weekend with games, drinks, family activities and, of course, barbecue.

Billed as the world’s largest competition of its kind, the World Series of Barbecue attracts hundreds of teams from around the nation to compete for titles, trophies and cash in categories such as ribs, turkey, pork and brisket. And the public can join in the fun with a new part of the event.

Here’s what you need to know if you plan to attend.

When can I go?

The event will run Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 5-9, but it will be open to the public 3-11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.

Where is it?

Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas.

How much does it cost?

Adult tickets are $25 on Friday and $15 on Saturday; children ages 6-11 are $7 each day. A family four-pack (two adult, two children) for Saturday is $10 per person, and a weekend wristband for the entire event is $40. Prices will be higher at the gate. Parking is $20.

Other things to know

  • New this year is the BBQ Garden on Saturday. Tickets ($50) include event entry plus food samples, beverages and games.
  • Behind-the-scenes tours to learn about the art and strategy of championship BBQ will be available Friday and Saturday for $45.
  • Among the many contests for visitors will be KC Meat Races, Bobbin’ in Baked Beans and Sauce Wrestling.

More information

americanroyal.com

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Dan Kelly
The Kansas City Star
Dan Kelly has been covering entertainment and arts news at The Star since 2009. He previously worked at the Columbia Daily Tribune, The Miami Herald and The Louisville Courier-Journal. He also was on the University of Missouri School of Journalism faculty for six years, and he has written two books, most recently “The Girl with the Agate Eyes: The Untold Story of Mattie Howard, Kansas City’s Queen of the Underworld.”
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