Great Lenexa BBQ Battle

Next date: Friday, June 27, 2025 | 04:30 PM to 11:00 PM

BBQ Battle contestant wearing gloves and shredding cooked meat in a pan

Hundreds of pitmasters compete in the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle each year. The battle is the state’s largest barbeque competition. In 1984 Governor John Carlin declared it the official Kansas State Championship.

Lenexa Parks & Recreation hosts and organizes the event. It is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle started in 1982 with 12 teams, 12 judges and no prize money. It now attracts 150-200 teams and the grand champion wins $3,000.

Barbeque teams host private parties on Friday. Admission is $5 at the gate. The public is encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere, live music and kids' activities on Friday. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the concession area.

Saturday is competition day. Teams busily prepare their long cooks and work on their short cooks. Judging begins at 11:30 a.m. and results shared around 4:30 p.m. Competition day is focused on the contest. Activities for kids will be available.

Register a team in 2025

Priority registration

Teams that competed in the 2024 contest may register for the 2025 contest beginning Monday, March 3, 2025, at 8 a.m.

New teams

Any available team spots will open for new teams Monday, April 7, 2025, at 8 a.m.

Fees

Required team fee: $255 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 13)

Booth space and capacity details:

Team booth spaces are 20' wide x 30' deep.
- All trailers (including hitch/tongue) must fit within these dimensions.
- Drive lanes are tight.
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 are not given to teams should they 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 is forfeited for the following year. Entry into the competition and their prior booth space is not guaranteed for subsequent years.

The Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle is a rain or shine event with no makeup dates. No refunds are given due to inclement weather. The City of Lenexa reserves the right to cancel the event if necessary due to unsafe conditions.

Registration instructions

Sign in under “Login” in the top right corner. If you do not have an account, please create an account first.
Select the open box next to "BBQ Contestant Registration."
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.

Competition categories and awards

Awards

Prizes and ribbons are awarded to the top 10 contestants in seven categories:

brisket
pork
pork ribs
chicken
sausage
beef steak
miscellaneous

The top three overall winners are also recognized.

Event schedule

Friday, June 27 – Community & Private Parties

4:30–11 p.m. | Event open to the public

Admission: $5 cash (kids 12 & under free)
Free shuttle service from the business park at 95th & Lackman (approx. every 10 minutes)
Food & drinks available for purchase from vendors
Private parties may bring their own food; team captains may bring alcohol during check-in before the event opens to the public
Free kids' activities: 4:30–9 p.m. (face painters, balloon artists, GaGa Ball and bounce houses)
Live music by The Stolen Winnebagos: 6:30–10 p.m.

Teams typically host private parties on Friday night. The public is welcome to stroll the park and enjoy the band and children's activities. Food and drink items are available for purchase with our vendors.

Saturday, June 28 – Competition & Judging

Competition and judging take place throughout the day. Please note:

Sanctioned judging is closed to the public.
Park visitors may notice event activity. Are welcome to kids’ activities and to eat at K&C vendor booth.

4:30 p.m. | Awards ceremony – Recognition for top teams.

What you need to know

Traffic

Expect increased traffic in the area around the park. The competition attracts thousands.

Parking

Limited public parking is available on the East side of Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Limited handicap parking is available at Foundry Church. We recommend the free satellite parking at the business park at 95th Street and Lackman Road. Shuttles are available approximately every 10 minutes.

Taxi and rideshare service

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.

Samples

This is a BBQ competition. Hundreds compete. Teams do not provide samples. They typically host private parties on Friday evening while they prep for Saturday's competition. Saturday the focus is on final preparation and presenting meats to the judges. The public is welcome to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.

Concessions

A variety of food and drink items are available for purchase from our vendors.

Alcohol

Only competition teams can bring in alcoholic beverages during the check-in process before the event begins. Individuals may purchase alcoholic beverages at designated locations and at the concession area.

Pets

Only service dogs are allowed at the event.

Wheels

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

Weather

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