KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The first 5,000 people who pass through the gates of the Kansas Speedway at 11 a.m. Saturday for the American Royal World Series of Barbecue will receive a free barbecue meal. You still need to purchase a ticket to get admission.
The World Series of Barbecue attracts more than 500 barbecue masters to Kansas City, Kansas. But their meat goes to judges for a competition. Health codes prohibit them from serving to the public. To make sure the public still gets to sink its teeth into some barbecue, event organizers created the “Pit Road Picnic” this year.
Other food trucks will be on site as well selling food to attendees.
Also new in 2019, the World Series of Barbecue will add live demonstrations from pitmasters on Saturday, so the average backyard griller can pick up some tips to make their food competition-worthy.
Aside from the barbecue, attendees can enjoy live music Friday and Saturday, the Cowtown Family Fun Fest, a petting zoo, crafts, obstacle course, a mechanical bull, beer garden, whiskey garden and car show.
This is the 40th Annual World Series of Barbecue. Aside from being the largest barbecue competition in the world, it is the largest fundraiser of the year for the American Royal.
The American Royal is a non-profit group which supports agriculture education programs. It’s been based in Kansas City since 1899. Annually, the American Royal gives out more than $1 million for scholarships and other educational programs. It hosts a pro rodeo, livestock show and horse show.
Single day tickets to attend the World Series of Barbecue now cost $25 for an adult and $9 for a child. A family four pack is $60. The event runs Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13 and 14, 2019.
For more information about the event, including a schedule, click here.
