Backyard BBQ & Steak Cook-Off

Join us for the 3rd American Royal Backyard BBQ & Steak contest hosted at the American Royal Complex in the West Bottoms on March 24-25, 2023.

Hunter/Jumper Horse Show

Nothing matches the excitement, fun and adrenaline rush of this Olympic-caliber jumping event: a showcase combining speed, athleticism and grace. You’ll marvel as the best horses and riders in the...

Tablesteaks

A growing tradition at the American Royal, Tablesteaks celebrates the best of the season with amazing steaks, incredible wine and spirits, and the Royal’s most dedicated supporters. More Details

Youth Rodeo

These top notch rodeo contestants come from all over the Midwest to compete against the best. Since 2007, the American Royal has been able to give $83,000 at the Youth...

ProRodeo

It’s the best time you can have in the dirt! The party starts with Happy Hour specials at 5:30 in the Tailgate.  Three Rodeo performances, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night...

Sauce Contest

The American Royal World Series of Barbecue® Sauce Contest – The largest barbecue sauce competition in the world where the best of the best go head to head for the...

Rub Contest

The 2023 American Royal World Series of Barbecue® Rub Contest will be held May 18, 2023.   The best rubs will go head to head for the title “Best Rub...

Leadership Summit

The American Royal is excited to present a morning of leadership development designed to inspire and prepare attendees to create their own unique career paths.

The Royal Showcase – A Youth & Open Horse Show

The American Royal is proud to host The Royal Showcase – A Youth & Open Horse Show each year. The Youth portion of the Royal Showcase is an all breed...

Cutting Horse Show

One of the world’s fastest growing sports, cutting offers tremendous excitement and drama for horse, rider, and spectators alike. The competition consists of horse and rider separating a particular cow...

Quarter Horse Show

The nation’s best Quarter Horses compete in Halter and Performance Classes – both western and English. You are invited to visit the stalls and see these magnificent animals up close....

Sporting Clays

Grab your team and test your shooting skills at the American Royal Sporting Clay Challenge!

World Series of Barbecue®

Join us for the 42nd American Royal World Series of Barbecue® – the world’s largest barbecue and Kansas City’s biggest party – September 28th through October 2nd! Join us as...

Livestock Show

The Livestock Show began as The National Hereford Show, 123 years ago in a tent in the Kansas City Stockyards. Since 1899, the American Royal Livestock Show has grown to...

Junior Premium Livestock Auction – Exhibitor Showcase, Reception & Auction

Each year hundreds of America’s youth between the ages of 9 and 20 travel from across the country to Kansas City for a chance to compete at the American Royal...

Collegiate Meats Judging

4-H/FFA Livestock Judging

Selected contestants compete, as a team and individually, to judge groups of livestock classes. Each contestant will meet one-on-one with an official to give their reasons for their placement. Scores...

Collegiate Livestock Judging

Selected contestants compete, as a team and individually, to judge groups of livestock classes. Each contestant will meet one-on-one with an official to give their reasons for their placement. Scores...

4-H Meats Judging

BOTAR Ball

The BOTAR Organization is proud to be one of the largest contributors to the American Royal, funding and providing volunteers for programs including: Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest Breakfast, Collegiate Livestock...

UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show

Nothing can match the fire and brilliance of the Saddlebred Horse! The American Royal is once again honored to be hosting the UPHA (United Professional Horseman’s Association) National Championship. The...

Crops Contest

Chairman’s Uptown Hoedown

Come one, come all!  Good food, live music and dancing at the American Royal.  Round up your boots, grab your partner and join us for the American Royal Chairman’s Uptown...