American Royal Announces 2026 Spring Event Lineup

The American Royal is kicking off 2026 with a full slate of events celebrating agriculture, barbecue, youth education, and community—from Royal Roundup and Backyard BBQ to youth livestock shows and hands-on Girl Scout programs.

Royal Roundup-February 25, 2026

Join us on February 25 for Royal Roundup, as we launch the 2026 season of events with an evening of fun and celebration. We have an incredible lineup of activities for the evening, including recognition of the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers, an update on the new American Royal campus in Kansas City, Kansas, and hosting our annual meeting, where we’ll reflect on our achievements and set the course for the year ahead.

RSVP Here: Royal Roundup | American Royal

Backyard BBQ-March 20-21, 2026

If you are new to BBQ contests, the American Royal Backyard BBQ & Steak Cook-Off is for you and will once again be held in the West Bottoms. A Backyard Series contest is an inexpensive and fun way to get started with a barbecue contest. Come on out, join the fun and test your skills! The Backyard BBQ and Steak Cook-Off are two separate contests and teams are allowed to enter either one or both as long as you meet the KCBS definition of a Backyard Cook Team.

More Details Here: Backyard BBQ & Steak Cook-Off | American Royal

Girl Scouts "Learn to 'Que" Event-March 20, 2026

Come to the American Royal to learn from barbecue experts about the basics of the ‘que! Girl Scouts can expect to learn about the basics of competition barbecue, what makes great sauces and rubs, and food safety.

Register Here: Affiliate Programs | American Royal

Spring Livestock Show-March 26-29, 2026

The American Royal celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2024 and added a Spring Youth Livestock Show. With the American Royal being deeply committed to inspiring and developing talent for food and agriculture, we are excited to bring this back in 2026. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity where youth exhibitors are celebrated, and champions are crowned.

We will be hosting an educational Livestock Judging Clinic and Girl Scout "Buddies at the Barn" event alongside our Spring Livestock Show for youth to learn and gain further exposure to the livestock industry!

Spring Show & Livestock Judging Details Here: Spring Livestock Show | American Royal

Girl Scout "Buddies at the Barn"-March 27, 2026

Come to the American Royal to witness our Spring Livestock Show! Girl Scouts will hear from individuals who work with animals on a daily basis and learn about what it takes to care for and show cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats.