Great Lenexa BBQ Battle

Priority registration

Teams that competed in the 2023 contest may register for the 2024 contest beginning Monday, March 4, 2024 at 8 a.m.

New teams

Any available team spots will open for new teams Monday, April 1, 2024, at 8 a.m.

Fees

Required team fee: $250 per team. This includes electricity, one (1) Silver parking pass, five (5) team wristbands, and five (5) admission stickers.

Optional items:

• One (1) extra silver sticker parking pass: $15
• Admission stickers: $3 each (team price is valid through June 14)

Booth space and capacity details:

• Team booth spaces are 20' wide x 30' deep.
  • All trailers (including hitch/tongue) must fit within these dimensions.
• We will accept up to 176 teams.
  • Once the contest is full, teams will automatically be placed on the waitlist and contacted if we have a team cancellation.
• Remaining spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellations / inclement weather:

Refunds will not be given to teams that choose not to compete in the current year's competition, as well as in connection with any disputes that result in the team being disqualified from competing in the competition, regardless of the timing. The team's priority registration will be forfeited the following year. Entry into the competition and old booth space will not be guaranteed for subsequent years.

The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle does not have an inclement weather makeup date. No refunds will be given due to inclement weather. The event will go on as planned even in rainy or inclement weather conditions. The City of Lenexa reserves the right to cancel the event if necessary due to unsafe conditions.

Registration instructions

Register online

1. Sign in under “Login” in the top right corner. If you do not have an account, please create an account first.
2. Select the open box next to "BBQ Contestant Registration."
3. You will be asked several registration questions. You will have the opportunity to purchase electricity, one additional parking pass, as well as additional admission stickers.

Complete contest results(PDF, 321KB)

Winner photos

• Grand Champion: Damn Fine Beef and Swine (Lee's Summit, Missouri)
  • Head Chef: Ryan Cain
• Reserve Grand Champion: Hunka Hunka Burnin' Rub (Kansas City, Missouri)
• • Head Chef: Tom Elder
• Third Place Overall: Damn Yankee Texas BBQ (Van Alstyne, Texas)
• • Head Chef: Shane LeClair

Friday night (June 21)

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 business lot at 95th Street and Lackman Road)
• 5–9 p.m.: Free children’s activities (face painters, balloon artists, GaGa Ball and two bounce houses)
• 7:30–10:30 p.m.: Super Star Mafia band performs
• 11 p.m.: Event gates close

Saturday (June 22)

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

Where should I park?

Limited public parking will be available on the East side of Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. We offer free satellite parking at the business park at 95th Street and Lackman Road. Handicap-accessible shuttles run to and from the park on Friday night from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Where can I get dropped off or picked up?

If you plan to arrive or depart from the event by taxi or ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft, the pickup and drop-off location is at Foundry Church, 8835 Lackman Rd.

Will free samples be available from the teams?

Contestants are not required to provide samples to the public during this event. On Friday night, contestants host private parties, and samples are not usually available.

What concessions will be available?

You can purchase a variety of food and drink items from our vendors.

Can alcohol or coolers be brought in?

No. You are not allowed to bring in alcoholic beverages. We allow competition teams to bring in alcoholic beverages during the check-in process. You may purchase alcoholic beverages at designated locations and in the concession area during the event.

Are dogs allowed?

Only service dogs are allowed at the event.

Can I ride my bike, bring my skateboard or other motorized vehicle?

Bikes, skateboards and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the event. Exceptions are wheelchairs or other devices needed by people with disabilities.

What time can teams check in?

Contestants can bring large items between 4 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 20. Team check-in and site setup occurs between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, June 21.

When do judges report?

Confirmed judges must report to the judging tent by 9:45 a.m. on Saturday. 

Will this event be rescheduled in case of inclement weather?

The Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle does not have an inclement weather makeup date. No refunds will be given due to inclement weather. The event will go on as planned even in rainy or inclement weather conditions. The City of Lenexa reserves the right to cancel the event if necessary due to unsafe conditions.