The American Royal Association’s World Series of Barbeque is a longstanding tradition in Kansas City, Mo., but in 2016 the event will take place in Kansas for the first time in its history. The Kansas Department of Agriculture is proud to welcome the annual barbeque competition to the state, and encourages Kansans to attend this unique event.

“We are thrilled to host our World Series of Barbeque for the first time in Kansas,” said Lynn Parman, President and CEO of the American Royal Association. “We are expecting 600 teams from around the world and 50,000 people to attend this exciting weekend at the Kansas Speedway.”

The 37th annual American Royal barbeque presented by Smithfield will be held on Oct. 26-30 on the infield of the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. The event is the finale of the competitive barbeque season, and will feature more than 600 teams. The public is encouraged to attend the Friday, Oct. 28, event which features marketplace vendors, BBQ vendors, food, beverages and more from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., including entertainment from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 29, the Cowtown Family Fun Fest is a kid-friendly barbeque festival featuring a variety of activities including inflatables, face painters, a petting zoo, pony rides and stage entertainment from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The American Royal’s World Series of Barbeque is organized and hosted by the American Royal Association, a not-for-profit corporation that has been a Kansas City tradition since 1899. The competition is just one of many events and activities put on by the Royal during its fall season that helps support its mission of championing agriculture excellence while providing scholarships and education opportunities.

Information about the American Royal BBQ, including how to purchase tickets for both events, as well as other special events, can be found at americanroyal.com/bbq.