The American Royal

The American Royal is part of the fabric of Kansas City. With horse shows as early as 1905, the rodeo in 1949, the World Series of Barbecue®  growing every year since the inaugural event was held in 1980, and of course... the Parade! The American Royal experience celebrates Kansas City's legacy. Celebrate this favorite Kansas City tradition with your family!

87th Annual American Royal Parade

• When: Saturday, September 29th at 10am. Best of all, watching the parade is FREE! Read complete details (map, times, etc) at the American Royal Parade website.
• Parade Route and Attractions: There will be over 3,000 people marching from the intersection of Pershing Road and Grand Boulevard and will continue up Grand Avenue, ending at 13th Street near the Power & Light District. Governor Brownback, Mayors James & Reardon, over 500 Boy Scouts; 9th Marine Corps; Gold Star Families and the Patriot Guard Riders; the VA; VFW; Combines and tractors; 4H and FFA youngsters; troops and vehicles from Forts Riley, Leavenworth and Leonard-Wood; High School and Military Academy marching bands and drill teams; floats; Kansas National Guard 35th Infantry Division Band; the Missouri National Guard; JROTC’s from everywhere; New Orleans Marine Corp Band . . .and much more!
• This Year's Parade: The 87th annual American Royal Parade, a Kansas City tradition since 1926. The theme is “The American Royal, American Agriculture, and Kansas City Pay Tribute to the American Military.” The parade is expected to be our region’s largest parade dedicated to thanking the American military personnel for their service. 
• Tips: The American Royal Parade is one of the BIGGEST and BEST parades in Kansas City! With horses, floats, marching bands, and more this is a wonderful family tradition. The parade lasts over an hour - bring snacks and water for kids and comfy seats or use a stroller! Then, stay after for specials and family fun in the Power & Light District.

63rd Annual American Royal Rodeo

• The Facts: September 28th- September 30th  at Hale Arena. Starts at 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, Starts at 2pm Sunday. Tickets start at $10 and are available at ticketmaster.com. Visit www.americanroyal.com for more information about these activities, times and locations etc.
• What You'll See: This is the last PRCA rodeo for the 2012 season before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Watch bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and more. Before the rodeo families can enjoy live music, shopping and kids activities. Live music Dance Hall Entertainment after the rodeo.

33rd Annual American Royal Bar-B-Q:

• The Facts: Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6st. Gates open at 12pm on Friday and at 10am on Saturday. Tickets now on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Friday: $13 in advance; $15 at the gate. Saturday: $13 ages 13 & up; $5 ages 6-12; FREE ages 5 & under. Busses will operate every 10min. Bus Hours: 5pm-2am Friday; 10am-2am Saturday. Three Shuttle Locations: Union Station Parking garage; George E. Wolf Garage (11th & Oak); Town Pavilion (13th & Grand). Visit www.americanroyal.com for more information about these activities, times and locations etc.

Enjoy:

• Live music on concert stage: Friday: Sell Out, Dolewite; Saturday: HonkTonk Renovators, The Farm, Lauren Alaina
• Kid Activities on Saturday! Royal Kids Korral and petting zoo. Mutton bustin’, calf roping, and more. Kids activities in the marketplace expo.  Mechanical bull, petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables and more
• BBQ Expo Marketplace; sauce store
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Junior World Series of BBQ Contest
• Fireworks Friday and Saturday night