For decades, the American Royal, one of the world’s largest barbecue competitions, was held in the West Bottoms before shifting to Arrowhead Stadium and then the Kansas Speedway, where it remains today. But now, Vernon McClanahan, a longtime American Royal competitor and certified judge, is bringing barbecue back to the neighborhood where it all began.
The inaugural two-day KC Smoke and Flavor Festival will debut May 1-2 next year in the West Bottoms’ Liberty Lot. The festival will have a barbecue competition and full-blow festival atmosphere that welcomes everyone.
Fifty to sixty teams will compete in the Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned Master Series contest over a four week period, while festival attendees can expect live music, an art walk, more than 50 food and drink vendors, a food court and a 21+ area featuring local spirits. Families won’t be left out either. The festival includes a large kids’ zone with bounce houses, obstacle courses and other activities.
“Think of the American Royal on a much smaller scale, that’s what you’re gonna have,” says McClanahan, who serves as the festival’s chief coordinator.
Zach Ehart-Smith, COO of Elevated Lifestyles and who is also serving on the festival’s committee, says that community-first approach is intentional. “The American Royal is focused solely on barbecue,” he says. “What we’re trying to do with KC Smoke and Flavor Festival is trying to incorporate a family aspect to get locals involved with the festival.”
The two-day festival intends to showcase the KC’s top pitmasters, chefs, craft brewers and performers. Right now, McClanahan and his team are continuing to look for sponsors and vendors. (If interested, learn more here or email info@smokeandflavorfest.com.)
Tickets and VIP passes for the festival will go on sale on Jan. 1 on the website, smokeandflavorfest.com.
While the KC Smoke and Flavor Festival is intended to be an annual event, it’s also intended to start a movement within KC culture.“We want to bring barbecue back to the West Bottoms,” says McClanahan. “Everybody’s excited about it.”
