Host to six equestrian events, the American Royal brings many of the best horses and exhibitors to Kansas City and provides youth and adults the opportunity for scholarships, educational experiences, and competition. 
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August 7, 2021 to August 8, 2021
All DayThe 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...
August 16, 2021 to August 18, 2021
All DayYouth 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...
August 19, 2021 to August 21, 2021
7:30 pm - 10:30 pmProRodeo
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...
August 26, 2021 to August 29, 2021
All Day2021 American Royal Hilary Watson Memorial 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...
September 8, 2021 to September 12, 2021
8:00 am - 5:00 pmQuarter 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....
September 16, 2021 to September 19, 2021
All DayWorld Series of Barbecue®
Join us for the 41st American Royal World Series of Barbecue® – the world’s largest barbecue and Kansas City’s biggest party – September 16-19 at Kansas Speedway. Join us as...
September 22, 2021 to September 26, 2021
All DayHunter/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...
September 30, 2021
6:00 pm - 10:00 pmTableSteaks
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
October 6, 2021 to October 24, 2021
All DayLivestock Show
The Livestock Show began as The National Hereford Show, 121 years ago in a tent in the Kansas City Stockyards. Since 1899, the American Royal Livestock Show has grown to...
October 23, 2021
All DayBOTAR 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...
November 8, 2021 to November 13, 2021
All DayUPHA 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...
December 4, 2021 to December 5, 2021
All DayArabian and Open Breed Horse Show
Known for their stamina, spirit and exotic beauty, the Arabian Horse is truly one of the most exciting and versatile breeds of horse. The American Royal Arabian and Open Breed...
Past Events
February 21, 2020
All DayYouth Leadership Day
October 17, 2020
7:00 pm - 10:30 pmJunior 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...
March 12, 2021 to March 13, 2021
All DayBackyard BBQ & Steak Cook-Off
Join for the inaugural American Royal Backyard BBQ & Steak contest, presented by Smithfield, hosted at the American Royal Complex in the West Bottoms on March 12-13, 2021.
May 2, 2021
All DayRub Contest
The 2021 American Royal World Series of Barbecue® Rub Contest, presented by Old World Spices and Seasonings, Inc., has returned – The best rubs will go head to head for...
May 4, 2021
All DaySauce 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...
May 11, 2021
6:00 pm - 10:00 pmCertified Barbecue Judging Class
To celebrate National Barbecue Month, the American Royal is teaming up with the Kansas City Barbeque Society to hold a Certified Barbecue Judging Class.
May 12, 2021
6:00 pm - 8:00 pmCertified Table Captain Class
To celebrate National Barbecue Month, the American Royal is teaming up with the Kansas City Barbeque Society to hold a Certified Table Captain Class.