Food festivals in Kansas City worth planning a trip around, by month.

Festivals through the year

American Royal World Series of Barbecue ★ 4.8

SeptemberLate September to early October, 5 daysTicket neededkck

The world's largest barbecue competition in Kansas City brings 500-plus teams to the Kansas Speedway across the last weekend of September into early October. Burnt ends and brisket lead, with KCBS judging the canon.

Focus: BBQ

Tip: BBQ Garden Saturday-only ticket includes samples plus games from KC pitmasters. Day passes for the Open Contest Sunday are the public-friendly entry.

Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111

Kansas City Restaurant Week ★ 4.4

JanuaryMid-January, 10 dayscitywide

Kansas City Restaurant Week runs each January with over 250 restaurants offering $20, $40, $50 and $65 prix-fixe menus. Charities receive 10 percent of menu sales.

Focus: Restaurant promotion, all cuisines

Tip: Reservations on OpenTable and Resy open in late December. Tasting menus at fine-dining rooms book first.

Citywide, Kansas City, MO

Plaza Art Fair ★ 4.4

SeptemberLast weekend of September, 3 daysplaza

Plaza Art Fair on Kansas City's Country Club Plaza runs the last weekend of September with 240 artists, three music stages and 20 featured restaurants serving across 9 blocks.

Focus: Plaza restaurants, street food

Tip: Free entry, free parking in Plaza garages. Friday 17:00 to 21:00, Saturday 10:00 to 21:00, Sunday 11:00 to 17:00.

Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO 64112

First Friday in the Crossroads ★ 4.3

Every monthFirst Friday of every month, eveningcrossroads

First Friday in the Crossroads has been Kansas City's monthly gallery and food walk since 2001, with galleries open late, food trucks rolling out and restaurants busy.

Focus: Crossroads restaurants and galleries

Tip: Free outdoor event; the busiest months are May, June and September. Park along Grand and walk.

Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, MO 64108
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