American Royal World Series Of Barbecue

I lived in KC 8 years, and this was my first time this year. I could not believe how many BBQ competitiors were on the field. The first impression was very good, and I couldn't wait to get onto the field. The walk was fairly long so wear comfortable shoes. We will be back. Great time, worth it, you won't be let down if you get a chance to go.

I had such high hopes - the worlds largest competition. However, it was very expensive to get in, it had very limited food options (just a few food trucks), and almost no interaction with vendors or competitive teams. Usually at a good festival you have dozens of BBQ vendors selling great BBQ, world-class sauces and rubs. For a festival about BBQ, there was almost no BBQ. It was more like a very small carnival. So disappointing. Don't be mislead by the "world's largest" claim. I would not return or recommend this to anyone.

Well it's tasty potato land. There's houses out there in the ground in the street. What. Tasty pigs in the street Sierra!

I am a journalist in the past years when I have covered this it is amazing it is so well ran and organized it is fantastic to say the least. I tip my hat to the American royal for hosting such events. This year I will be there coverings the event. I can't wait.

As others have mentioned, total rip off unless you know a competitor. $20 for parking, $25 per adult for entry and minimum food truck options. Will not recommend or go again.

Just to manage expectations for visitiors who don’t know people in a competition- there are not samples available and not really any options to purchase barbecue. If you are going to try samples and looking to purchase a meal you will be disappointed.

Great experience on Friday. Behind the scenes tour should have been a lot better on Saturday. Not enough barbecue being sold.

I think this is the kind of event that if you are participating in the competition , it’s a lot of fun. If you’re just visiting, it’s very hard to tell when is a good time to come, and there was a surprising lack of actual bbq available for visitors. Most was for small parties held by the actual bbq-ers (again looked fun for those participating- a big community event). For us just walking in, there were two taco trucks, a few enter-to-wins, and one free sample (shoutout to ok joes!). The only food truck selling actual bbq was sold out of half its menu by about one pm. Go if you know people. Don’t otherwise.