Kansas City’s BBQ Fest Returns with a Bang: Here’s All You Need to Know

After a prolonged hiatus, the annual BBQ fest in Kansas City is back in action, ready to treat fans of barbecued meat and joyous festivities. The Q BBQ Fest aims to quench the city’s thirst for tradition and history, slotted for the upcoming weekend.

Location and Timings

The venue for the scrumptious gathering is Lot M and Founder’s Plaza, situated conveniently between Kaufman Stadium and Arrowhead. The two-day long extravaganza will start on June 21st, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and will pick up again from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 22nd.

The festival won’t just be about the food, offering a gathering platform for BBQ enthusiasts spread across the midwest. It will host an array of entertainment activities from BBQ demonstrations by some of the state’s most highly-regarded pitmasters, all the way to rib-eating contests, offering something for people of all ages.

Tickets and Pricing

This year, the KC Q BBQ Fest is taking a more organized approach towards entry passes. The free-to-enter, pay-as-you-go format has been sidelined, making way for three distinct ticketing options:

• Three-Hour General Admission Pass: This pass allows for unlimited BBQ consumption within a span of three hours, with drinks available for purchase separately.
• Four-Hour VIP Pass: This pass gives ticket holders access to the event an hour prior to the official opening, unlimited BBQ and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and exclusive VIP-only BBQ samples and other items.
• Youth Tickets: These are for teenagers between the ages of 13 to 17. Young kids under the age of 12 are welcomed with open arms at no cost.

All tickets are specific to a particular date to ensure each attendee has their fair share of the BBQ magic.

Parking and Transportation

As part of their ticket purchase, attendees are provided free parking. Taxi and rideshare services will also have access to the event’s parking lots, further enabling a smooth transition in and out of the venue.

Prohibited Items

In the interest of safety and to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, some items are prohibited from being brought into the festival. These include outside food and drinks, professional or video cameras, glass, metal or plastic drinking vessels, balls, and umbrellas with metal tips.

Due to security measures, clear bags are recommended but not compulsory. However, any bags or strollers brought to the festival can be subjected to searches.

Schedule and Further Information

For enthusiasts looking to plan their festival experience, the official schedule for both the festival days has been made available. For additional information and tickets to the KC Q BBQ Fest, fans are encouraged to visit the festival’s official webpage.

Ensure your spot at one of the summer’s most looked-forward-to event, and become part of the rich, nuanced tradition of BBQ culture in Kansas City.