The sizzle, the smoke, and the sweet smell of BBQ are back in Downtown Excelsior Springs for the 25th Annual BBQ & Fly-In on the River! This year’s milestone celebration is packed with award winning pitmasters, craft beer, premium whiskeys, home brews, live music, jaw dropping flyovers, fireworks, and a weekend full of flavors and fun!

Whether you come for the competition, the drinks, the shopping, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, BBQ Weekend has something for everyone!

Friday – Get Fired Up!

From the first team arrival to the last note of live music under the stars, Friday sets the stage for the whole weekend!

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM – BBQ teams roll in and set up their smokers for the KCBS-sanctioned competition
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Team check-in at Atlas Saloon Brewery
All Day – APEX Aero Center Fly-In overhead — watch pilots put on a show throughout the day
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Live music with Kevin Cline
4:00 PM – Gates open to the public
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Beer Garden open. Enjoy cold ones and left the Excelsior Springs Christmas Committee serve you
4:30 PM – Kid’s Que Cook’s Meeting at the Hall of Waters
5:00 PM – Cook’s Meeting at the Hall of Waters
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – On The Rocks Whiskey Stroll (SOLD OUT) — sample premium whiskeys while exploring downtown shops and eateries.
6:30 PM – American Flight Museum T-34 Airplane Flyover
6:30 PM – Kid’s Que turn-in at the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives
7:00 PM – APEX Aero Center Smoke Show Overhead
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Private Platinum Sponsor Party
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Live music with The Suns of Eugene
Dark – Foggy Bottom Fireworks Show

Friday Night Food Truck – O.G. Bandits
Come hungry, because the O.G. Bandits will be serving up award winning BBQ all night long! These champs took home the title at the Made in KC BBQ Challenge and now serve incredible eats at the new KCI Airport. This is your change to grab their famous BBQ right here in Downtown Excelsior Springs!

Friday Night Fireworks
When the sun goes down, the sky lights up! We’re ending Friday with a spectacular fireworks show, thanks to our friends at Foggy Bottom Fireworks. Their displays never disappoint! Get ready for big booms, brilliant colors, and a perfect ending to an unforgettable night.

Saturday – Competition Heats Up

It’s all about BBQ bragging rights, beer, and good times as teams turn in their best smoked creations for the judges and home brewers share their creations with visitors. It’s ALL DAY flavor!

9:00 AM – Bloody Mary Contest
10:00 AM – KCBS Judges Meeting
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Home Brew Contest
11:00 AM – Pasta Turn In
12:00 PM – Chicken Turn In
12:30 PM – Pork Ribs Turn In
1:00 PM – Pork Turn In
1:30 PM – Brisket Turn In
2:00 PM – Turkey Smoke Turn In
2:30 PM – Dessert Turn In
4:00 PM – Award Ceremony on the Hall of Waters Front Lawn

On The Rocks Whiskey Stroll – SOLD OUT

Downtown comes alive with live pours, shopping, and bites! This year’s participating locations include:

A few features whiskeys: Castle & Key Restoration Rye, Dry Fly Bourbon, Chattanooga Cask 111, Noah’s Mill Bourbon, Redwood Empire Pipe Dream, Redline Toasted Barrel Bourbon, 630 Straight Bourbon, West Bottoms Whiskey…. and more!

Home Brew Contest

From crisp lagers to bold souts, this year’s home brewers brought their A-game! Participating brewers include:
Agardian Ales & Lagers • Brewletariat • Drunken Sherpa • Flip the Record Brewing • Flyover Brewing • FusterCluck Brewing • J&B Brewing • Lot Love Brewing • New Chapter Brewing Company • Old Man Oz • Paradise by the Mash Tun Light • Rock Star Bier Werks I • Rock Star Bier Werks II • Roos Brews • Social Animal Cider Co. • Sunny Side Up

Just a few tempting entries:
Crack the Sky – American Pale Ale
Honey, Do Me Rye Now – Honey Rye Pale Ale
Let Me See Ya Grill – Grilled Pineapple Pale Ale
Wind of Change – Weizenbock Marzen
Grizzly Beary – Huckleberry Blueberry Hard Apple Cider
…and dozens more creative, small-batch brews!

Fly-Overs & Air Shows

New this year! High-Flying Thrills!

Sponsored by Geoff & Barbie Clark

Friday Night Live Music

Under the new patio at the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives!!!

BBQ Team Competition Roster

Get ready to meet the masters of the pit! Teams from across the region will compete for the top prize!

Thank You To Our 2025 BBQ Weekend Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Mobile Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors