November 3, 2025
World Series of Barbecue® to Fire Up in Kansas City
MEDIA ADVISORY
World Series of Barbecue® to Fire Up in Kansas City
WHAT
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue® returns to Kansas Speedway November 7-9, bringing mouthwatering competition, family-friendly fun and the world’s best barbecue teams to Kansas City. The World Series of Barbecue is the world’s largest barbecue competition and one of the American Royal’s largest fundraisers to support its mission to be the nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events and engagement.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2025
Guests can experience barbecue like never before with the BBQ Garden, a new Saturday-only ticket that includes access to exclusive barbecue and side samples, beverages and games from top Kansas City pitmasters. Families can also take advantage of the new Family 4-Pack ticket option for Saturday for a full day of fun and flavor.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Party of the Year Judge Experience: Get a taste of the excitement as you help select the best party at the World Series of Barbecue on Friday evening.
- Royal Tours: Go behind the scenes Friday or Saturday to learn what it takes to compete at the highest level of barbecue.
- Pit Road Family Fun: Gates open at 11 a.m. on Saturday for life-sized yard games, inflatables, vendors, food trucks and more.
- Fan-Favorite Contests: Cheer on participants in the KC Meat Races, Bobbin’ in Baked Beans and Sauce Wrestling on Saturday.
WHEN
Media are welcome throughout the week. We recommend Thursday, Friday or Saturday for the best coverage opportunities:
- Thursday, November 6: Early load-in and setup provide a preview of the scope and excitement.
- Friday, November 7: Meet competing teams and preview Saturday’s activities.
- Saturday, November 8: Capture live competition and family-friendly action.
WHERE
Kansas Speedway
400 Speedway Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66111
MEDIA DETAILS
- Photos and B-roll are available for use here: Media Kit
- Media passes are required and may be requested at americanroyal.com/about/news if you do not already have one. Passes can be picked up on site.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Julie Warner, AdFarm
417-298-5968
Allyssa King, American Royal (onsite contact)
913-244-1652