Excelsior Springs, Mo. (August 13, 2025) – This weekend, August 15-16, Excelsior Springs will be the place to be as the 25th Annual BBQ Fly-In on the River takes over the heart of downtown. Hosted by the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP), this milestone celebration combines a fiercely contested barbecue competition with an exciting new twist, an airshow that will bring aerobatic aircraft roaring over the city.
While the Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned contest means visitors can’t sample the competitors’ award-winning entries, there’s no shortage of public events and entertainment to keep the crowds fed, entertained, and inspired.
A Quarter-Century of BBQ Excellence
For 25 years, the BBQ Fly-In on the River has been a hallmark event for Excelsior Springs, drawing competitive teams from across the Midwest to showcase their skills in categories like brisket, ribs, pork, and chicken. Over the years, the contest has grown into a festival-like atmosphere, pairing the thrill of competition with community fun.
This year, dozens of pitmasters will descend on downtown, with their smokers running around the clock as they prepare turn-ins for judging. The event has become an annual gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and the silver anniversary promises to be bigger than ever.
Friday Highlights
7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Team arrivals and set-up for the KCBS competition; 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. team check-in at Atlas.
Gates open to the public at 4:00 p.m. Beer garden open 4:00–11:00 p.m.
Live music: Kevin Cline 3:30–6:30 p.m.; The Suns of Eugene 7:00–11:00 p.m. (Museum & Archives patio).
Friday Night Food Truck – O.G. Bandits. Your chance to enjoy their award-winning flavors right here in Excelsior Springs.
On The Rocks Whiskey Stroll 6:00–9:00 p.m. (Sold Out) at participating downtown businesses.
Air over downtown: T-34 flyover 6:30 p.m.; Apex Aero Center Smoke Show 7:00 p.m. (six aircraft).
Fireworks at dark presented by Foggy Bottom Fireworks.
Saturday Highlights
BBQ Judging Begins. Turn-ins for the judged categories are scheduled from late morning to mid-afternoon.
Home Brew Contest, open to the public, runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Awards Ceremony. Barbecue awards are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on the Hall of Waters lawn.
Saturday Food Truck – Twisted Taters will help you get twisted with their gourmet loaded fryz. This KC original is sure to keep you coming back for more!
All Eyes to the Skies: New Downtown Airshow
The 2025 Fly-In will feature a coordinated airshow over downtown Excelsior Springs. The displays are being organized with the help of the Apex Aero Center, based at the Midwest National Air Center in Clay County.
According to Apex Aero Center’s Arris Pardalos, the show will feature Vans RV-6 and RV-8 aerobatic aircraft, nimble propeller-driven planes known for their speed and maneuverability. A T-34 Mentor aircraft, a former military training plane with a distinctive profile, will also participate.
Residents should be prepared for low-altitude flyovers and aerobatic stunts throughout the day on Friday, but especially on Friday evening after 6:00 p.m. The aerial activity is expected to continue into Saturday, though most of the excitement will take place during the festival’s busiest hours.
Pardalos emphasized that there’s no reason for concern when residents see the planes swooping and rolling overhead; it’s all part of the show. “We’re excited to do something with Excelsior Springs, especially downtown. The airshow adds a new energy to the event,” Pardalos said.
Some of the participating planes are based locally at the Midwest National Air Center, while others will fly in just for the weekend. Pardalos noted that the planes include eye-catching designs, such as a striking red-and-white RV-8 and another in green, pink, and white.
Exact airshow timing may shift depending on weather and flight coordination, so attendees are encouraged to watch the skies and listen for the unmistakable hum of propellers.
A Community Celebration in the Air and on the Ground
The BBQ Fly-In on the River has always been more than just a barbecue contest; it’s a community event that highlights the best of Excelsior Springs. With the addition of the airshow, the 25th anniversary promises to be a truly unique mix of culinary competition, small-town charm, and high-octane fun.
For a complete schedule and festival details, check out visitexcelsior.com.
Update 8/15/25: Story was updated to include the Saturday food truck to the schedule.
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