American Royal World Series of Barbecue is a food festival in Kck, Kansas City.
Editorially verified May 21, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
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.
Address: Kansas Speedway, 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111
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.
Tip: Reservations on OpenTable and Resy open in late December. Tasting menus at fine-dining rooms book first.
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.
Tip: Free entry, free parking in Plaza garages. Friday 17:00-21:00, Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00.
First Friday in the Crossroads has been Kansas City's monthly gallery and food walk since 2001, with galleries open late, food trucks and busy restaurants.
Tip: Free outdoor event; the busiest months are May, June and September. Park along Grand and walk.
