BBQ Team Application
Sign up to Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em in 2025!
AUGUST 15-16, 2025
DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR SPRINGS
Join us for the 25th Anniversary of the BBQ & Fly-In on the River in Downtown Excelsior Springs! This Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event brings together top BBQ teams and pitmasters from across the country for an unforgettable weekend of competition, camaraderie, and great food!
Competition Details & Registration
Entry Fee: $275 per team
Team Site Size: 15′ x 30′
Included: Overnight stay in Downtown Excelsior Springs, access to bathrooms, water, and trash/ash disposal.
Eligibility: To qualify for Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion, teams must enter all four main KCBS categories.
Rules: Visit the 2025 KCBS RULES & REGLUATIONS.
Additional Contests & Special Categories
Take your BBQ game to the next level by competing in these optional ancillary categories:
Pasta Ancillary: FREE optional category. Pasta provided to teams at check-in. Turn in before 4 main KCBS Categories.
Dessert Ancillary: $25 optional category. Teams provide all supplies. Turn in after 4 main KCBS Categories and Turkey Smoke.
People’s Choice Ancillary: FREE optional category. Pork loin provided to teams at check-in. People’s Choice Sampling/Turn-In Friday Evening.
Turkey Smoke: We are still awaiting confirmation from the National Turkey Federation regarding our application to host a Turkey Smoke Contest in 2025. Turn in after brisket.
Bloody Mary Ancillary: $25 optional category. Teams provide all supply. Organizer provides the glass. Turn in Saturday morning between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Judges come to your space.
BACK AGAIN THIS YEAR!
Kid’s Que Contest: $10.00 Contest Entry. Kid Cooks 5 to 15 years. Adult supervision required. Click here for application.
Registration & Payment Details
Payment Details: Payment is required to secure your space. Limited to 60 teams per competition day. Spots WILL NOT be held without payment for contest. Ancillary contests can be paid at least 30 days prior to the contest date.
Prize Purse: The prize purse amount will be announced soon. In 2025, the prize purse was $16,500 and included payouts to the top 10 overall scores, top 10 KCBS category scores, top 10 in Turkey Smoke, top 3 in Dessert, Pasta, People’s Choice, and Bloody Mary.
Team Registration Requirement Disclaimer
Please note that all teams must register at the full price to participate in the BBQ & Fly-In on the River competition. This requirement applies to all aspects of the competition, including any special competition categories. Registration at full price is mandatory to ensure eligibility for competition and judging.
Exception: The only exception to this policy is the use of official discount codes provided by the event organizer. These codes must be entered at the time of registration and cannot be applied retroactively.
