American Royal

Activity Overview

The American Royal is a venerable Kansas City tradition. Every year during September, October and November thousands of people descend on the American Royal Complex for various livestock contests, horse shows, rodeos, barbeque competitions and more. This series of events has its roots in a cattle show which first began in 1899. Since then it has grown and grown to become one of Kansas City's most beloved events. What makes it even more special is the fact that the American Royal Association itself is a non-profit, community volunteer based organization whose aims lie in benefitting youth through education programs, educational awards and scholarships.

Things to Do

• The highlight for food lovers is surely the World Series of Barbecue. This is the real deal when it comes to BBQ. Over 550 teams compete in an area covering 54 acres in Kansas City's Stockyards District. The winners in the four different meat categories are decided over the course of four days in an all-American contest of mouth-watering delights!
• Another temptingly delicious tournament is the Grapes & Steaks Competition. Here judges seek out the best wine and steaks of the many present at the American Royal. You can even taste a lot of the wines too!
• Aside from the food there is a host of animal related activities going on too. You can saddle up to enjoy the quarter horse show and youth horse show or you can head to the yearly calf scramble. If rodeos are your thing you will have plenty of opportunities to be entertained with a youth rodeo and their main event PRCA rodeo.

American Royal Insider Tips

• You can check out a map of the complex here.