Visit KCK Officially Launches the KCK BBQ Trail

Visit KCK Officially Launches the KCK BBQ Trail

Published on September 18, 2025

Press Release Source: Visit KCK
Release Date: September 15, 2025

Visit KCK is bringing the spotlight to its smoky, saucy, slow-cooked legacy with the launch of the KCK BBQ Trail, a new way to explore the city's rich barbecue tradition.

The trail features 12 Wyandotte County barbecue stops serving authentic Kansas City-style barbecue, and two bonus stops. Known for its slow-smoked meats and thick, tangy tomato-based sauces layered with sweet and spicy notes, Kansas City-style barbecue is a flavor favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Many stops are run by a new generation of pitmasters who've learned from pioneers while adding their own flair. The trail encourages residents and visitors to discover neighborhoods and businesses they may not have explored before.

Earlier this year, Mayor Tyrone A. Garner announced the KCK BBQ Trail and issued a proclamation recognizing local barbecue restaurants. "Kansas City, Kansas is a proud home to some of the most beloved and time-honored BBQ traditions in the country," Mayor Garner said in a statement. "We're thrilled to celebrate that legacy."

"KCK BBQ Trail is about more than food. It is about community," said Alan Carr, Executive Director of Visit Kansas City Kansas. "Barbecue is part of our city's identity. This trail lets visitors and locals experience that tradition in a fun, memorable way."

How It Works

The KCK BBQ Trail is free and easy to access:

• Sign up at https://www.kckbbqtrail.com for a mobile-exclusive pass

• Receive the pass instantly via text or email - no app required

• Check in at each stop to earn points and unlock prizes

The trail features iconic smokehouses and hidden gems, each offering its own unique take on Kansas City's signature cuisine. Whether you're craving ribs, burnt ends, pulled pork, or brisket, the KCK BBQ Trail offers something for every barbecue enthusiast.

Prizes on the KCK BBQ Trail celebrate both the city's barbecue culture and community partners. As participants rack up points, they can redeem items such as:

• Steel ChillCup, perfect for keeping your drink cold or your BBQ beans warm.
• KCK rally towel, which doubles as a napkin for saucy fingers and a way to show your spirit at the big game or tailgate
• American Stockyard barbecue sauce by Spicin Foods, a Kansas City original that adds authentic local flavor straight from one of the region's best-known sauce makers

Additional prizes include decals, shirts, and other barbecue-inspired accessories. More details on how to unlock and redeem prizes are available in your mobile pass when you sign up for the trail.

Participants who complete the BBQ Trail by the next National BBQ Day 2026 (May 16, 2026) will be entered to win the grand prize: a Gas Grill (Napoleon Freestyle 365 3 Burner Propane Gas Grill) sponsored by Nebraska Furniture Mart, and a deluxe at-home BBQ kit, valued at over $1000. All trail-goers who finish by that date will also receive an invitation to an exclusive BBQ party during National BBQ Month in May 2026.

The launch of the KCK BBQ Trail marks the next step in Visit KCK's initiative to inspire self-guided exploration of the city's culinary and cultural landmarks. All three trails -KCK Taco Trail, KCK Legacy Trail, and now KCK BBQ Trail, are designed to highlight authentic local stories and small businesses across the city.

Trail-goers are encouraged to share their foodie finds on social media using the hashtag #KCKBBQTrail and tag @visitkansascityks on Instagram or Facebook.

For more information or to start your journey on the KCK BBQ Trail, visit https://www.kckbbqtrail.com. Stops on the KCK BBQ Trail: Big Q Barbecue Blind Box BBQ Famous Dave's BBQ Holy Smoke BBQ Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que Jones Bar-B-Q Quentin's BBQ & Sides Roscoe's Barbeque Rosedale Bar-B-Q Slap's BBQ Woodyard Bar-B-Que Wyandot Barbeque Bonus Stops: American Royal World Series of Barbecue Nebraska Furniture Mart - Grill & Outdoor Section

About Visit Kansas City Kansas
Visit Kansas City Kansas is a non-profit organization whose mission is to generate economic impact through tourism by promoting Kansas City, Kansas as a destination for visitors, conventions, and sporting events.

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