Smoke in the Spring returns to Osage City this weekend for its 23rd year, bringing with it the familiar mix of competition barbecue, live entertainment and community spirit at Jones Park.
Event organizer Corey Linton stopped by the KVOE Morning Show on Tuesday to offer a preview of the two-day festival. According to Linton, this year’s edition is set to be the largest yet, featuring a record number of competitors traveling from across the United States and Canada.
While the pitmasters may take center stage, Linton emphasized that the event relies on a large group of volunteers and supporters to make it all happen each year.
Festivities kick off Friday evening with the Taste of Osage City at 5 p.m. Attendees can purchase “BBQ Bucks” to sample food from vendors and teams on site. Live music is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m.
The focus shifts to competition on Saturday as professional teams compete for a coveted 2026 BBQ World Cup Qualifier spot. While Saturday’s activities are not open to the public for food or general events, visitors are still welcome to attend the awards ceremony and see which team takes top honors.
