Get Ready for Gladfest Smokefest, the Parade, and All the Festive Fun!

Experience the energy, create unforgettable memories, and join the celebration.

Get Ready for Gladfest Smokefest, the Parade, and All the Festive Fun!

Experience the energy, create unforgettable memories, and join the celebration.

Gladfest Smokefest

Join us for the ultimate BBQ competition!

Get ready for a sizzling good time at the Gladfest Smokefest BBQ Competition, happening Saturday, October 3 2026 in Downtown Gladstone! This exciting event is a major highlight of Gladfest—Gladstone’s annual celebration that brings the community together with incredible food, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.

At Smokefest 2026, it’s all about the ribs and chicken—but there’s more on the grill. All teams must compete in the KCBS ribs and chicken categories. To be eligible for the Grand Champion title, teams must also enter the ancillary competitions. The ancillary categories will be a dessert and baked beans. Prize money totals over $2,000, with payouts increasing based on participation.

Whether you're a BBQ competitor, a ribs and chicken enthusiast, or just looking for a fun weekend, the Smokefest BBQ Competition promises an unforgettable experience filled with incredible food and festive vibes.

Registration is now available!

Smokefest entry fee $100 (nonrefundable).

This $100 entry fee covers all categories. Each team must supply their own meat, beans and dessert ingredients.

BBQ teams can set up on Friday, October 2, to prepare for the competition on Saturday, October 3

All Prize Money ($2,000 +) is guaranteed and may grow based on team participation.

Categories & Prizes

KCBS (One-Meat): Ribs

1st Place: $750 (minimum)
2nd Place: $500 (minimum)
3rd Place: $250 (minimum)
4th Place: $100 (minimum)
5th Place: $100 (minimum)

Ancillary Meat: Chicken

1st Place: $100 (minimum)
2nd Place: $75 (minimum)
3rd Place: $25 (minimum)

Ancillary Side: Baked Beans

1st Place: $50 (minimum)
2nd Place: $30 (minimum)
3rd Place: $20 (minimum)

Ancillary: Dessert

1st Place: $50 (minimum)
2nd Place: $30 (minimum)
3rd Place: $20 (minimum)

Grand Champion: $200 + Trophy (minimum) - In order to win, each team must compete in all categories.

Schedule

Friday, October 2 (Optional)

Teams can set up their site anytime from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Check-In and Meat Inspection

Saturday, October 3

6:15 a.m. – 6:45 a.m. – Check-In, Meat Inspection and Team Set Up
8:00 a.m. – Cooks Meeting (Central Park Parking Lot – 7000 N. Campbell St. Gladstone, MO 64118)
11:00 a.m. – KCBS Judge Check-In (Community Center)
11:30 a.m. - KCBS Judge Meeting (Community Center)
12:30 p.m. – TBD
1:00 p.m. – TBD
1:30 p.m. – TBD
2:30 p.m. – Awards (Linden Square Stage)

Congrats to the following 2025 Winners:

Ribeye Steaks

1st Place: Smoked & Sauced DBQ

2nd Place: ParraQ

3rd Place: Park Avenue Pork

Baked Beans

1st Place: Old Woodshed BBQ

2nd Place: Pitt Doss

3rd Place: BBQ Mavens

St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

1st Place: Ming St. Meats

2nd Place: Park Avenue Pork

3rd Place: Bringing Up the Rear BBQ

4th Place: Muppets of Smoke

5th Place: Smokin Southern Spitfires

Grand Champion: Old Woodshed BBQ

Thank you to all of the teams who participated in 2025 and we look forward to seeing you next year in 2026!

Doinks, Ming St. Meats, Park Avenue Pork, Bringing Up the rear BBQ, Muppets of Smoke, Smokin, Southern Spitfires, Old Woodshed BBQ, Pitt Doss, Brothers BBQ, BBQ Mavens, Bab Slab BBQ, Grants2 BBQ, Smoked & Sauced DBQ, Left Turn Smokers, ParraQ, Rhode Kill and Kingdom Que

The following utilities will be provided by the City of Gladstone free of charge:

Water from a communal hose will be provided.
If electricity is needed, please check the box in registration. Bring your own extension cords.

Organizers: Austin Greer at austing@gladstone.mo.us & Alan Napoli at alann@gladstone.mo.us

Gladfest Parade

The Gladfest Parade returns after a four-year hiatus!

The beloved Gladfest Parade is returning to the streets of Gladstone this fall, bringing with it a renewed sense of excitement and community spirit. Set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, this year’s parade will feature a lively mix of creative floats, unique performances, and spirited participation from local schools, businesses, and community organizations — all coming together to craft an unforgettable experience that celebrates the heart of Gladstone. Whether you’d like to showcase your own float, create a one-of-a-kind banner, or bring something special to the parade, we’d love to have you be part of this memorable celebration!

Don't Miss Out!

To register, click the link below. From the 2026 dropdown menu, select Gladfest, then choose Parade to access the sign-up form.

Parade Entry Information & Guidelines

Entry Deadline

Participants must be registered by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18.

Approximately 14 days before the parade, an information packet will be emailed to the contact person listed on the application.

Entry Fee (non-refundable)

The entry fee is $85.00 for businesses and candidates running for elected office.
All other participants, including non-profit organizations, are required to pay a $50.00 entry fee.

Insurance

Valid proof of insurance for each motorized unit and its driver must be emailed to Jennifer Stafford at jennifers@gladstone.mo.us by Tuesday, September 30.

Theme

The 2026 theme is "Crank it to Eleven! Maximum Fun at Gladfest 47."

Size Requirements

Floats must not exceed 40 feet in length and 13 feet in height.

Cash Prizes

Business Category

All for-profit companies entered in the parade are eligible to compete in this category.

1st Place: $750
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $150

Non-Profit/Charitable Organizations

All non-profit and charitable organizations entered in the parade are eligible to compete in this category. Gladfest organizers reserve the right to request proof of non-profit status.

1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $250

Best Use of Theme

Be creative! Use unique and original ideas that reflect the parade theme.

1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $150

Best Use of Gladfest Mascot, "Sam the Scarecrow"

Feature the Gladfest mascot in a creative and theme-appropriate way.

Prize: $250

Prefer a paper application?

If you'd rather complete a paper application instead of using the online form, please contact Nikki Lansford at nikkil@gladstone.mo.us.

About Gladfest

Gladfest is an annual fall festival hosted by the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Gladstone. Held in downtown Gladstone on the first weekend in October, the event features a wide array of attractions including a carnival, parade, craft and vendor booths, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and musical performances on the Linden Square Stage. A cherished community tradition, Gladfest brings residents and visitors together to celebrate the fall season with fun and festivities. For more information, visit the official Gladfest webpage.

Gladfest Smokefest

Assistant City Manager Austin Greer

Email: austing@gladstone.mo.us

Phone: (816) 423-4102

Gladfest

Gladfest Parade

Co-Chair Jennifer Stafford

Email: jennifers@gladstone.mo.us

Phone: (816) 423-4160

Co-Chair Burt Comstock

Email: krackerjack1964@yahoo.com

Phone: (816) 420-9945

Gladfest

Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce President Amy Harlin

Email: amy@gladstonechamber.com

Phone: (816) 436-4523

Get Ready for Gladfest Smokefest, the Parade, and All the Festive Fun!

Get Ready for Gladfest Smokefest, the Parade, and All the Festive Fun!

Gladfest Smokefest

Join us for the ultimate BBQ competition!

Want to compete in Gladfest Smokefest? Registration is now available!