The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle started in 1982 with 12 contestants and 12 judges. On April 27, 1984, Governor John Carlin declared the contest the official Kansas State Championship.

The competition attracts cooks who compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle - The Kansas State Championship.

Prizes and ribbons are awarded to the top 10 contestants in seven categories (brisket, pork, pork ribs, chicken, sausage, beef steak and miscellaneous) and the top three overall winners.

Food Vendor Opportunities

Volunteer and Judging Opportunities - All judge and table captain positions are full for 2023.

Event Schedule

Friday June 23, 2023

Teams primarily host private parties, and free samples to the public are not required of teams.

4:30 p.m.: Event gates open
4:30–11:30 p.m.: Free parking shuttle (to and from the Lenexa Public Safety Complex at 87th Street and Monrovia, or the business lot at 95th Street and Lackman Road)
5–9 p.m.: Free children’s activities (face painters, balloon artists, GaGa Ball and a bounce house)
7:30–10:30 p.m.: The Suburbans band performs
11 p.m.: Event gates close

Saturday June 24, 2023

9 a.m.–5 p.m.: Free parking shuttle (the business lot at 95th Street & Lackman Road)
9 a.m.: Event gates open
9 a.m.–2 p.m.: Free children’s activities (face painters, balloon artists, GaGa Ball and a bounce house)
11:55 a.m.: Competition judging begins
12:00–2:00 p.m.: The Suburbans band performs
3 p.m.: Event gates close
4:30 p.m. (approximately): BBQ Battle contest winners announced

Admission: $5 on Friday night; free on Saturday. Children 12 and under are free both days.

Parking: Limited on-site $5 parking Friday and Saturday; Free satellite parking and free shuttle to event.

Date & Time:

Friday, June 23, 2023, 4:30 to 11 p.m.

Saturday, June 24, 2023, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location:

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park,

87th Street Parkway & Lackman Road,

Lenexa, KS 66215

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