Kansas City BBQ Festival returns to Arrowhead: What to know before you go

You can see and smell barbecue in the parking lots at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium during the fall and early winter, and now you’ll be able to enjoy some in the spring.

Kansas City BBQ Festival, called KCQ, returns May 6-8 to the tailgating mecca. It’s not a contest, as food will be available for purchase at each individual BBQ pit.

“After last year’s success, we are excited to once again host KCQ at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium,” Matt Kenny, Executive Vice President of Arrowhead Operations and Events for the Kansas City Chiefs, said in a statement. “KCQ celebrates award-winning barbecue from locations across the U.S. We are excited to partner with several barbecue pitmasters on this event and introduce new offerings to the BBQ capital, Kansas City.”

What will be at the festival?

More than food will be on the agenda. Attendees will be able to enjoy refreshments, live music, games for the whole family, barbecue demonstrations and tutorials.

How much are tickets?

Admission is free for all ages, but you can buy a Pit Pass for all-you-can-eat barbecue, free drinks, private bathrooms and more.

Pit passes can be purchased here.

When will KCQ be?

The barbecue festival will May 6-8. The hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

This story was originally published January 19, 2022 at 4:34 PM.