The annual Derby BBQ & Music Festival in Derby’s High Park is a family favorite! This FREE event will be held June 12 & 13, 2026! This annual family-friendly event includes live music, food, and kid’s activities. Admission is FREE. There are an average of about 50 professional BBQ teams from the Midwest. There will be a full slate of activities, including the People’s Choice Tasting Contest, Smile Safari and Derby Orthodontics Kids Corner, live music on the Don Hattan Mainstage, and tasty food options on the Security 1st Title Food Truck Row.
Guests can expect a fun-filled weekend at High Park in Derby! The younger attendees can enjoy the Kids Corner, which has had princesses, face painting, bounce houses, foam parties, and more in years past. The older guests can enjoy beverages from the Beer Garden and live music on both nights, along with a cornhole tournament, car show, and more.
Fun Facts about Derby BBQ & Music Fest:
- It’s FREE to attend, with FREE live music and FREE activities in the kid’s corner.
- BBQ tasting kits, drinks, and food are available to purchase.
- The BBQ competitions include the KCBS Cook-off and the Backyard BBQ Cook-off.
- Proceeds from this event benefit the McConnell Air Force Base Military and Family
Readiness Center. In the past, the City of Derby has donated $20,000 of proceeds from this event to
the center over 12 years. - The BBQ & Music Fest is Derby’s largest event, drawing thousands of people over two days.
- They average about 50 professional BBQ teams from the Midwest.
The Derby Public Library will also hold its 5th Annual Medallion Hunt. Starting Monday, June
9, look for clues at DerbyLibrary.com, and Facebook page, @DerbyLibrary. The winner will
receive a $100 gift card and BBQ prize package.
Derby BBQ & Music Fest Schedule of Events
Friday, June 12: 6 pm to 10 pm
Activities
• BRG Precision Products Kids Que — 5:30 pm
• Toss Like a Boss Cornhole Tournament — 6:00 pm
• Kids’ Cookie Contest — 6:00 pm
People’s Choice Tasting Contest
• Tasting kits go on sale at 6:30 pm
• Contest starts at 7:00 pm
• $5 per tasting kit
• Includes six 2-ounce samples
• Purchase kits at the tent south of the amphitheater
• Available while supplies last
Live Music
• The Nailbiters — 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
• Paramount — 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Food & Drinks
• Security 1st Title Food Truck Row
• Derby Lions Club Beer & Beverage Garden
• Shaken or Stirred Bartending
• First Man Brewery
• Sweet Swig Beverage Truck
Saturday, June 14: 9 am – 3 pm & 6 pm -10 pm
Activities
• Derby Recreation Commission Smokin’ 5K — 7:30 am
• DRC Pickleball Tournament — 9:00 am
Kids Corner (9:00 am – 3:00 pm)
Hosted by Smile Safari and Derby Orthodontics
• Face painters
• Princesses
• Inflatables
• Foam parties
• Toss with a Twin
• Derby Fire Department activities
• And more family fun
BBQ Competitors
• KCBS Cook-Off
• Backyard BBQ Cook-Off
Food & Drinks: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Security 1st Title Food Truck Row
• Shaken or Stirred Bartending
11:00 am – 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Derby Lions Club Beer & Beverage Garden
• First Man Brewery
Tasting Event
• Derby Chamber of Commerce Smokin’ Sampler — 6:00 pm
Live Music on the Don Hattan Derby Mainstage
• Mather Ebberwein — 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
• Jaelen Johnston — 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
There will be a break in scheduled activities at the park from 3 to 6 p.m. for the BBQ Awards
The event began in 2011 as The National BBQ Derby. It started small and has grown over the years. In 2014, it changed its name to the Derby BBQ Festival and became a KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) event. In 2019, it added a music festival and changed its name to the Smoke on the Plains Derby BBQ & Music Fest. It was our sesquicentennial celebration. Their logo has seen several changes over the years as well, but it’s the same great event.
Date: June 12 – 13, 2026
Time:
- June 13 from 6 to 10 p.m.
- June 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: High Park, 2801 E. James St., Derby, KS
Price: Free!
Parking: On-site parking will be available in the paved lots and grass parking will be available
accessible from the east Madison Ave. entrance. An ADA parking lot will be available on the
north side of the Zimmerman Family Shelter. We will also have the All States Home Improvement Shuttles to get you to the action faster. Look for a golf cart shuttle for a
complimentary ride. The Derby Dash will also provide shuttle service.
Find more of Wichita’s Favorite Festivals.
