When: Friday October 5th through Sunday October 7th.
Where: Kemper Arena/American Royal Complex
Tickets: $10 for Adults $5 for kids 6 & up, Special Blvd Beer passes are available for $50
Returning this year
- For those not entering the competition, but still want to enjoy great food, the “Taste of the Royal” Food Court will be selling barbecue to the public. The Expo will also return, featuring the latest BBQ innovations and equipment for grillers, whether in competition or backyard grilling. The Expo will also include the popular Sauce Store.
- The festival includes two nights of concerts in Hale Arena. This year: “He Wears Black” A tribute to Johnny Cash on Friday night, and Cross Canadian Ragweed with Candy Coburn and Micky and the Motorcars on Saturday night.
New events to the Barbecue this year:
- Family Day - Families will enjoy expanded carnival rides and activities for the kids in the BBQ Expo and Hale Arena. The ADM World of Agriculture display will be in Scott Pavilion for children and families to learn about animals and agriculture with hands-on activities.
- American Royal Party Tent – This new tent will present live entertainment, including Outlaw Junkies, John Joiner Band, Hazzard County and more. 4 pm – midnight on Friday and 12 noon to midnight on Saturday. Food catered by Golden Ox, and a cash bar.
- Celebrity Cook-off Challenge - Join celebrities and local news personalities as they compete for their own rights to barbecue fame. It will take place on Saturday in front of Kemper Arena.
- Cook ‘Em Courses – For those who want to learn more about the art of barbecue, these demonstrations will take viewers through three individual dishes. Learn from the pros including Willingham’s Barbecue and The Maytag Man. Courses will take place in Wagstaff, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
- Jr. World Series of Barbecue – Children will now get to try their hands at participating in the World Series of Barbecue. This new competition is open to children ages 6 – 15. Contestants must be sponsored by a registered team.
- $50 all-you -can -eat –and-drink party ticket. Called the Boulevard VIP Package, the $50 ticket includes grounds admission to the Barbecue; one ticket to XETC – A Professional Rodeo Event; all-you-can-eat Oklahoma Joe’s barbecue, and unlimited water, soda and Boulevard Beer from 5 pm – 11 pm. The ticket is available for purchase for Friday, October 5th or Saturday, October 6th. Attendees can purchase one night, or both - $50 per night.
The $50 ticket is honored in the Boulevard VIP Zone in Hale Arena, next to the Concert Stage.
