Worlds of Fun: Savoring the All-American BBQ & Brew Festival and Beyond

This post is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.

There’s something uniquely American about the irresistible aroma of slow-smoked barbecue mingling with the refreshing notes of craft beer. This past weekend, my husband and I embarked on a delightful journey to Kansas City, specifically to Worlds of Fun, to immerse ourselves in the flavors and festivities of the All-American BBQ & Brew Festival. It had been far too long since we’d enjoyed a proper getaway just for the two of us, so we eagerly seized the opportunity for a long, memorable weekend together, filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and the vibrant atmosphere of a premier amusement park.

Saturday couldn’t have been more perfect for our visit to Worlds of Fun! As we drove in, the sun was shining brightly, and the temperature hovered around a comfortable 80 degrees – ideal weather for exploring the park and enjoying an outdoor festival. The park’s energy was palpable, with laughter and music filling the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Worlds of Fun truly comes alive under such inviting conditions, making every ride and every corner of the park a joy to discover.

Our accommodation added another layer of charm to our weekend escape. We unpacked our car into a cozy, rustic cottage nestled within the Worlds of Fun Village. This delightful village offers a unique lodging experience, perfectly blending a fun, cabin-like feel with modern convenience. It’s an ideal choice for families or couples seeking a comfortable retreat, and its greatest perk is its incredible proximity – just a short walk to both Oceans of Fun water park and the thrilling rides of Worlds of Fun amusement park. Each cottage unit is thoughtfully equipped with its own small kitchen, which includes a microwave and mini-fridge, and even a grill outside, providing fantastic options for preparing some of your own meals or enjoying a private barbecue experience right at your doorstep. This combination of comfort and convenience truly enhanced our stay, allowing us to fully relax and maximize our time at the parks.

Soon after settling in, our appetites guided us toward the Americana section of the park, where the heart of the festival awaited. There, we discovered a vibrant setup of white tents, bustling with activity. These tents hosted six distinct brewers, each offering an array of their finest craft beer samples, thoughtfully paired with an exciting variety of barbecue-inspired dishes. The air was thick with the tantalizing scents of smoked meats and hops, creating an inviting atmosphere that promised a true feast for the senses. It was a perfect fusion of savory and refreshing, showcasing the best of American culinary traditions.

Our culinary adventure began at the tent for Bur Oak, a distinguished brewery hailing from Columbia, Missouri. They presented three tempting brews: the hoppy and robust Big Tree IPA, the smooth and malty Boone County Brown, and their refreshing Seasonal Trail Bender Wheat. We both found ourselves particularly drawn to the crisp and subtly fruity notes of the Trail Bender Wheat. It proved to be an exceptional pairing with their savory BBQ Spiced Chicken Wings. These wings were perfectly cooked, with a delightful crispy skin and tender meat, coated in a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ spice blend that harmonized beautifully with the wheat beer’s light body and citrusy finish, making for a truly satisfying first taste of the festival.

Next, we explored the offerings from Cinder Block, a popular brewery from North Kansas City, Missouri. They showcased four distinctive beer samples: the bold Block IPA, the easy-drinking Northtown Native, the rich Pavers Porter, and the refreshing Weathered Wit. The Northtown Native, a clean and balanced lager, impressed us with its versatility, while the Weathered Wit, a Belgian-style wheat ale with subtle spice and citrus notes, offered a delightfully bright contrast. We enjoyed both of these brews immensely alongside their innovative Chicken and Waffles. This dish was a revelation – perfectly fried chicken resting atop a fluffy, golden waffle, drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce. The crispness of the chicken and the slight sweetness of the waffle found a wonderful balance with the varied profiles of Cinder Block’s beers, especially the light and airy Wit.

Our journey continued to the tent of Defiance, a craft brewery all the way from Hays, Kansas, bringing their unique Western Kansas flair to the festival. They presented a quartet of craft brews for sampling: the smooth Gutch English Style Mild Ale, the complex and fruity Origami Spaceship Saison, the hop-forward Thrasher IPA, and the wonderfully approachable Willy Nilly Golden Ale. I instantly fell in love with the Willy Nilly! Its name alone was charming, and its light, crisp, and slightly sweet profile made it incredibly drinkable – a perfect choice for a warm afternoon. The food offering at this tent was the decadent Bananas Foster, a classic dessert featuring caramelized bananas, a rich sauce, and a hint of rum. While perhaps not traditional BBQ, the sweetness and warmth of the Bananas Foster provided a delightful counterpoint to the diverse beer styles, and the Willy Nilly offered a clean finish that cut through the richness of the dessert beautifully.

As true aficionados of Kansas City barbecue, we couldn’t wait to visit the booth for KC Bier, a local Kansas City, Missouri brewery renowned for its authentic German-style beers. They generously shared four of their traditional lagers and ales: the dark and malty Dunkel, the refreshing and cloudy Hefeweizen, the crisp Hellis, and the robust Weizenbock. My husband and I were particularly fond of the Dunkel, with its deep, caramel notes, and the full-bodied Weizenbock, which offered a delightful sweetness and complexity. These rich, flavorful beers were absolute perfection alongside some truly finger-licking Smoked BBQ Ribs. The ribs were incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, coated in a smoky, tangy sauce that epitomized classic Kansas City barbecue. The maltiness of the Dunkel and the Weizenbock stood up beautifully to the intensity of the smoked meat and rich sauce, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying pairing that highlighted the best of both local traditions.

Our next stop was Nebraska, a brewery from Papillion, Nebraska, and perhaps we were a little biased in making this one of our first stops, given our roots! 😉 They offered four fantastic beers: the balanced Cardinal Pale Ale, the bright EOS Hefeweizen, the strong Fathead Barley Wine Ale, and their classic India Pale Ale. We especially enjoyed the hearty and complex notes of the Fat Head Barley Wine Ale, which offered a wonderful depth, and the crisp, refreshing qualities of the Cardinal Pale Ale. These beers were excellent companions to their Smoked BBQ Pork Sandwiches. These sandwiches were piled high with tender, slow-smoked pork, drenched in a savory barbecue sauce, and served on soft buns. The robust flavors of the smoked pork found a perfect complement in the varied profiles of Nebraska’s craft brews, making each bite and sip a celebration of regional taste. It was a delightful reminder of home, crafted with exceptional quality.

Finally, our last tasting destination was Tallgrass from Manhattan, Kansas, offering another enticing selection of four craft brews. Their lineup included the popular 8-Bit Pale Ale, the elegantly dry Song Bird Saison, the intensely hopped Top Rope IPA, and the unique Vanilla Bean Buffalo Sweat, a rich oatmeal cream stout. We both found the Songbird Saison to be a particularly intriguing choice. Its crisp, slightly spicy, and fruity characteristics provided a refreshing contrast to the heavier barbecue dishes we’d sampled earlier. We expertly paired the Songbird with their Jumbo Chilled Shrimp, a light and zesty option that was a welcome palate cleanser. The clean, bright flavors of the shrimp were beautifully enhanced by the saison’s delicate profile, proving that barbecue festivals can offer more than just meat-heavy options and that craft beer truly pairs well with a diverse range of flavors.

When our delightful tasting journey was complete, we were thoroughly stuffed, pleasantly sun-kissed from the beautiful weather, and utterly content. The All American BBQ & Brew Festival truly exceeded our expectations, offering an exceptional blend of regional craft beers and mouth-watering barbecue. There’s still time to experience this fantastic event, as it runs through May 8th, 2016. We highly recommend checking the Worlds of Fun website for specific times, ticket prices, and any last-minute details. And while you’re planning your visit, be sure to explore some of the other exciting events happening at Worlds of Fun throughout the summer, such as the World Food and Wine Festival and special Military Days. These events, along with the park’s thrilling rides and attractions, make Worlds of Fun a must-visit destination for entertainment and culinary adventure.

Cheers to you, to the joys of summertime, to the art of good brews, and to the timeless deliciousness of barbecues!

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All this yummy brew and barbecue got me thinking – as it often does – about recipes! The incredible array of flavors and techniques we experienced at the festival sparked a renewed inspiration for my favorite BBQ dishes. I realized what a fantastic opportunity it was to share a collection of some of my most cherished barbecue recipes with all of you. So, if you love BBQ with the same passion that my husband and I do, then this carefully curated collection of recipes is absolutely for you! Get ready to bring the authentic taste of American barbecue right into your own kitchen.

Barbecue sauce is often considered a serious business by many enthusiasts. Most everyone has a deeply ingrained favorite brand, a go-to that perfectly matches their palate – some prefer it sweet and tangy, others crave a fiery kick, and many appreciate a rich, smoky depth. Whatever your preference, the beauty of these 20 hand-picked recipes is their versatility. You can confidently use your beloved store-bought sauce to create these mouth-watering dishes, knowing that your favorite flavor profile will shine through and elevate every bite. It’s all about making barbecue your own, with the flavors you love most.

Of course, if you find yourself without a go-to favorite, or if you simply don’t have a bottle of commercial sauce on hand, there’s always the wonderful option of crafting your very own. Making barbecue sauce from scratch allows you to customize the flavors precisely to your liking, ensuring the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy notes. It’s a rewarding process that guarantees a unique sauce perfectly suited to your culinary creations.

For those inspired to try their hand at a homemade version, here’s my trusted recipe for Homemade Barbecue Sauce. It’s simple to follow and yields a wonderfully flavorful sauce that will elevate any dish.

Who can resist the allure of a fantastic sandwich or a light, flavorful wrap, especially when it’s elevated by the rich, complex taste of barbecue sauce? The combination of tender meat, soft bread or crisp lettuce, and a savory sauce is truly irresistible. Here are a few must-try recipes that transform humble ingredients into extraordinary meals, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic!

Kick things off with Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, offering a lighter yet intensely flavorful option with a zesty kick. If you’re looking to creatively use up holiday leftovers, the Pulled (leftover) Turkey BBQ Sandwiches are an absolute game-changer. For a taste of the islands, indulge in Hawaiian Pork Sliders, bringing sweet and savory notes to your table. The Apple BBQ Pork & Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese is a sophisticated twist on a comfort classic, combining smoky, sweet, and cheesy goodness. If you crave something truly epic, the Monster Chipotle Pork BBQ Sandwich delivers on flavor and size. And for effortless weekday deliciousness, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (In the Crock Pot) are a simple yet satisfying choice.

There’s an undeniable magic that happens when barbecue sauce meets pork. It’s a classic pairing, a culinary match made in heaven where the rich, savory qualities of pork are perfectly complemented by the smoky, tangy, or sweet complexities of BBQ sauce. Whether slow-cooked until falling apart or grilled to perfection, these combinations simply go hand in hand, delivering truly unforgettable flavors. Dive into these delicious BBQ pork recipes that celebrate this iconic duo!

Experience the ultimate tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness with Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs, a surprisingly simple recipe that yields incredible results. For a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, the Skillet BBQ Pork Loin Chops offer a delightful way to enjoy pork without extensive cooking time. If you crave classic, smoky perfection, these BBQ Pork Ribs are sure to satisfy any barbecue craving. And for a unique, slightly unexpected twist that adds a fruity depth to your roast, try the Berry BBQ Pork Roast.

Barbecue sauce isn’t just for brushing generously onto meats while they sizzle on the grill or slow cook to perfection. Its rich, multifaceted flavor profile also makes it an incredible ingredient *in* recipes, adding depth, tang, and sweetness that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. From hearty main courses to comforting side dishes, BBQ sauce proves its versatility time and again. Here are some of my absolute favorites that showcase just how delicious it can be when integrated directly into the cooking process!

For a customizable and satisfying meal, dive into Chipotle Burrito Bowls, where barbecue chicken adds a smoky, flavorful foundation. If you’re hosting a game day or simply craving ultimate comfort food, the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Nachos are an absolute crowd-pleaser, delivering cheesy, saucy perfection. Transform a simple baked potato into a hearty meal with Barbecue Chicken Topped Baked Potatoes, an easy and satisfying dinner idea. And no barbecue feast is truly complete without the quintessential side dish, Mama’s Baked Beans, a recipe for Mama’s Baked Beans that brings a sweet, savory, and smoky depth to any meal.

In my humble opinion, and I suspect many would agree, barbecue chicken recipes reign supreme. There’s just something about the way the sauce caramelizes on the tender chicken, creating a symphony of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that is simply unparalleled. It’s a versatile protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an ideal canvas for a variety of BBQ sauces and cooking methods. So, I am saving what I consider the absolute “BEST” for last – a collection of barbecue chicken dishes that are sure to become instant favorites in your household!

Saddle up for the robust and hearty flavors of Cowboy Chicken, a dish that brings a taste of the frontier to your dinner table. For an incredibly simple yet wonderfully tangy meal, the Orange BBQ Dump Chicken is a busy cook’s dream come true. Immerse yourself in the deep, savory notes of Smoky Mountain Chicken, a recipe that captures the essence of slow-cooked perfection. For versatile shredded chicken that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads, the Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is an absolute must-try. And for a comforting, complete meal all in one dish, the Barbecue Chicken Cornbread Bake offers savory chicken crowned with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread topping.

Oops… you better grab a napkin, I think you have a little something on your chin. 😉 That’s the sign of truly good barbecue!

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A special and heartfelt thank you to Worlds of Fun for the gracious invitation to the All American BBQ & Brew Festival! Our weekend experience was truly unforgettable, filled with amazing food, refreshing craft beers, and cherished moments together. We had an absolutely fantastic time exploring the park and savoring the festival’s unique offerings, and these wonderful memories will undoubtedly stay with us for years to come. It was an event that perfectly captured the spirit of American summer fun and deliciousness!