Savor the Flavors: An Unforgettable All-American BBQ & Brew Festival Experience at Worlds of Fun!
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.
This past weekend, my husband and I embarked on a delightful journey to Kansas City, making our way to Worlds of Fun to immerse ourselves in the tantalizing aromas and festive atmosphere of the All-American BBQ & Brew Festival. It had been quite some time since we last enjoyed a spontaneous getaway on our own, making this long weekend together an eagerly anticipated escape. The promise of mouth-watering barbecue, expertly crafted brews, and the thrilling attractions of a world-class amusement park was an irresistible combination, perfectly setting the stage for a memorable experience.
Saturday greeted us with absolutely perfect weather for our visit to Worlds of Fun! The sun shone brightly, and the temperature hovered around a comfortable 80 degrees as we pulled into the vibrant park. The clear blue skies and gentle breeze were ideal for exploring the various themed sections of the park and, of course, for indulging in the festival’s culinary delights. The excitement was palpable from the moment we arrived, a feeling only enhanced by the cheerful shouts from rollercoasters and the lively buzz of families enjoying their day.
Our adventure began by settling into our charming cottage, nestled within the convenient Worlds of Fun Village. This unique accommodation offers a delightful rustic cabin feel, providing a cozy and private retreat that’s truly perfect for families or couples seeking comfort and convenience. Each unit is thoughtfully equipped with its own small kitchen, and a grill awaits outside for those who enjoy cooking their own meals al fresco. What truly sets the Village apart is its unbeatable location – it’s just a short, leisurely walk to both Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun, allowing us to easily access all the entertainment without the hassle of driving or parking. This proximity meant more time for fun and less time commuting, which was a huge bonus for our weekend escape.
With our bags unpacked and spirits high, we made our way directly to the Americana section of the park, where the heart of the All-American BBQ & Brew Festival awaited. The area was transformed into a vibrant culinary hub, adorned with pristine white tents that housed six distinct brewers, each eager to share their craft beer samples. Alongside these brewers, various food stations offered an array of delicious barbecue to pair with the refreshing beverages. The air was thick with the smoky aroma of grilling meats and the subtle scent of hops, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckoned us to explore every tent and savor every bite and sip. It was an excellent start to our gastronomic adventure.
Our first stop introduced us to **Bur Oak Brewing Company** from Columbia, MO. They presented three impressive brews for us to sample: the bold Big Tree IPA, the smooth Boone County Brown, and the refreshing Seasonal Trail Bender Wheat. We were particularly captivated by the crisp and flavorful Trail Bender Wheat, which proved to be an exceptional match for the savory BBQ Spiced Chicken Wings offered at their station. The wings, perfectly seasoned and tender, provided a delightful counterpoint to the beer’s light and malty notes, creating a truly harmonious pairing that set a high standard for the rest of the festival.
Next, we visited **Cinder Block Brewery**, hailing from North Kansas City, MO, where they showcased four distinct beer samples: the hoppy Block IPA, the easy-drinking Northtown Native, the rich Pavers Porter, and the bright Weathered Wit. Both the Northtown Native and the Weathered Wit stood out, offering a crispness and character that beautifully complemented the indulgent Chicken and Waffles. The unexpected pairing of savory fried chicken atop a fluffy waffle, drizzled with a hint of syrup, found its perfect partner in the refreshing and well-balanced notes of these craft beers, making for a surprisingly delightful combination.
Our culinary journey continued with **Defiance Brewing Company** from Hays, KS, who also brought four craft brews for us to experience: the traditional Gutch English Style Mild Ale, the unique Origami Spaceship Saison, the robust Thrasher IPA, and the wonderfully named Willy Nilly Golden Ale. The Willy Nilly, with its bright and approachable flavor, quickly became a personal favorite! It truly lived up to its fun moniker. To our delight, the food offered at this tent was the decadent Bananas Foster. The warm, caramelized bananas and rich sauce provided a luxurious counterpoint to the refreshing ales, showcasing the festival’s creative approach to food and beer pairings.
Moving along, **KC Bier Company** from Kansas City, MO, offered a taste of authentic German-style beers. Their selection included the dark and malty Dunkel, the crisp Hefeweizen, the clean Hellis, and the strong Weisenbock. My husband and I enthusiastically sampled both the rich Dunkel and the flavorful Weizenbock. These robust beers were the ideal companions for the incredibly tender, finger-licking Smoked BBQ Ribs served at their station. The deep, savory notes of the ribs found perfect harmony with the traditional German brews, creating a truly satisfying and classic barbecue experience.
Our next destination was **Nebraska Brewing Company** from Papillion, NE. As native Nebraskans, we admit to a slight bias when it came to our home state’s brewery, making it our very first stop! They presented four excellent beers: the vibrant Cardinal Pale Ale, the classic EOS Hefeweizen, the formidable Fathead Barley Wine Ale, and their signature India Pale Ale. We particularly relished the bold flavors of the Fathead Barley Wine and the refreshing Cardinal Pale Ale. These beers were expertly paired with their succulent Smoked BBQ Pork Sandwiches, which were packed with tender, slow-cooked pork. The rich, savory notes of the sandwiches were beautifully enhanced by the diverse profiles of Nebraska Brewing Co.’s offerings, making for a truly enjoyable and nostalgic taste of home.
Finally, we visited **Tallgrass Brewing Company** from Manhattan, KS, who also offered a delightful selection of four samples: the hop-forward 8-Bit Pale Ale, the bright Song Bird Saison, the robust Top Rope IPA, and the unique Vanilla Bean Buffalo Sweat stout. The Songbird Saison, with its light and fruity notes, proved to be an excellent and surprisingly refreshing pairing for their Jumbo Chilled Shrimp. The cool, crisp shrimp provided a palate-cleansing contrast to the beer, offering a perfect end to our savory BBQ journey with a lighter, yet equally flavorful, option.
By the time we had made our rounds, sampled every delicious pairing, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, we were absolutely stuffed, delightfully sun-kissed, and incredibly happy. The All-American BBQ & Brew Festival truly exceeded our expectations, offering a fantastic blend of gourmet barbecue, innovative craft beers, and the joyous energy of Worlds of Fun. While this special event ran through May 8th, 2016, those looking for future culinary adventures or family fun at Worlds of Fun should always check their website for upcoming festivals, event times, and pricing. This theme park frequently hosts exciting events throughout the summer, such as the World Food and Wine Festival and special Military Days, ensuring there’s always something new and thrilling to experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to create your own unforgettable memories!
Cheers to sunshine, to memorable getaways, to exceptional brews, and to the timeless joy of American barbecues!
—-
This incredible experience with all that yummy brew and irresistible barbecue inevitably got me thinking about recipes. It’s truly amazing how a fantastic meal can spark culinary inspiration! I immediately started recalling some of my all-time favorite BBQ recipes and realized what a perfect opportunity it was to share them with you, our readers. So, if you’re like us and possess an unwavering love for barbecue – whether it’s tangy, sweet, spicy, or smoky – then this curated collection of recipes is absolutely for YOU! Prepare to ignite your taste buds and bring the essence of the All-American BBQ & Brew Festival right into your kitchen or backyard.
Barbecue sauce, a staple in American cuisine, is something many people take quite seriously. It’s more than just a condiment; it’s the heart of countless delicious dishes. Most everyone has a cherished favorite brand, a go-to sauce that perfectly suits their palate – some prefer a sweet and sticky glaze, while others crave a fiery, hot kick. Whatever your preference, the beauty of these 20 hand-picked recipes is their versatility. You can confidently use your beloved store-bought sauce, knowing it will elevate each dish. For those who enjoy a personal touch, or if you simply don’t have a bottle on hand, consider crafting your very own homemade barbecue sauce. It’s surprisingly simple and allows you to tailor the flavor precisely to your liking.
Here’s my trusted recipe for Homemade Barbecue Sauce, a delightful blend that promises to be a fantastic base for all your BBQ creations. Give it a try and taste the difference!
Who could resist the appeal of a great sandwich or wrap, especially when it’s infused with the irresistible flavors of barbecue sauce? These handheld delights are perfect for any meal, from a quick lunch to a casual dinner. Here are a few must-try recipes that redefine what a BBQ sandwich or wrap can be:
Explore the zesty Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a lighter, flavor-packed option. Transform your holiday leftovers into something spectacular with Pulled (leftover) Turkey BBQ Sandwiches. For a taste of the tropics, these Hawaiian Pork Sliders are a sweet and savory sensation. Indulge in the gourmet combination of Apple BBQ Pork & Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese, a sophisticated twist on a classic. For those with a hearty appetite, the Monster Chipotle Pork BBQ Sandwich promises a robust flavor experience. And finally, simplify dinner with the tender Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches (In the Crock Pot), perfect for a busy weeknight.
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when barbecue sauce meets pork – they are truly a match made in culinary heaven. The rich, tender texture of pork effortlessly absorbs the complex flavors of BBQ sauce, creating dishes that are universally loved. Get ready to dive into these incredibly delicious BBQ pork recipes, each promising a symphony of taste and tenderness!
Experience the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Ribs, where the soda adds an unexpected depth of flavor. For a quick yet satisfying meal, try these succulent Skillet BBQ Pork Loin Chops. Nothing says classic barbecue like a plate of perfectly cooked BBQ Pork Ribs, seasoned to perfection and glazed with your favorite sauce. And for a unique twist on a traditional roast, the Berry BBQ Pork Roast offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes.
While barbecue sauce is famously used for brushing on grilled meats, its culinary potential extends far beyond that! It’s a versatile ingredient that can be wonderfully incorporated *into* a variety of recipes, adding depth, tang, and a smoky sweetness to everything from sides to main courses. Discover how this beloved sauce can elevate your everyday dishes with some of my personal favorites:
Create vibrant and flavorful Chipotle Burrito Bowls, where a hint of BBQ sauce adds a smoky kick to this satisfying meal. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun dinner, these Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Nachos are incredibly easy and delicious. Elevate a simple side dish with Barbecue Chicken Topped Baked Potatoes, turning humble potatoes into a hearty main. And no barbecue spread is complete without a side of perfectly seasoned Mama’s Baked Beans, where BBQ sauce provides that essential sweet and savory depth.
In my humble opinion, barbecue chicken recipes hold a special place in the pantheon of comfort food. There’s something inherently satisfying about tender chicken coated in a rich, flavorful BBQ sauce, whether it’s grilled, baked, or slow-cooked. That’s why I’ve saved what I consider the “BEST” for last! Prepare to be inspired by these fantastic chicken dishes that truly highlight the versatility and deliciousness of barbecue.
Whip up the robust flavors of Cowboy Chicken, a dish that’s sure to satisfy any craving. For ultimate simplicity and deliciousness, try the effortless Orange BBQ Dump Chicken, perfect for busy evenings. Immerse yourself in the rich, smoky taste of Smoky Mountain Chicken, a true comfort food classic. Enjoy the tender, shredded goodness of Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken, ideal for sandwiches or salads. And for a complete meal in one dish, the Barbecue Chicken Cornbread Bake combines savory chicken with a comforting cornbread topping.
Oops… after all that talk about delicious barbecue, you might want to grab a napkin – I think you have a little something on your chin. 😉
—-
A special and heartfelt thank you goes out to Worlds of Fun for the incredible invitation to the All-American BBQ & Brew Festival! Our weekend escape was truly fantastic, filled with delightful flavors, wonderful company, and cherished memories that we will undoubtedly treasure for years to come. We highly recommend this vibrant park and its exciting events to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in Kansas City!