About & FAQ
What Lotasmoke is, and answers to the questions we hear most.
What Lotasmoke Is
Lotasmoke is the second-weekend-of-October KCBS-style BBQ competition that closes out the Lotawana Live fundraising season. Founded in 2023, it has grown to 22 teams competing this year — four judged meat categories, a Best Party contest, two nights of live music, camping on the airfield, and the Bier Garden. Every dollar raised supports Lake Lotawana Parks & Recreation.
Kyle Twenter and Craig Davis started Lotasmoke in 2023 with 18 teams. It grew to 21 teams in 2024 and 2025, and 22 this year. It’s held at Stafford Airfield, a grass airstrip behind the Lake Lotawana Association office that dates back to the 1960s.
Getting there & parking
Where is Lotasmoke?
Stafford Airfield, 10417 E Thompson Rd, Lake Lotawana, MO 64086 — behind the Lake Lotawana Association office. Get directions or see the event map.
When can the public come?
Gates open to the public Friday, October 9 at 4 PM. Saturday’s events start at 11 AM and run into the evening. Thursday is setup day for teams and campers. See the full schedule.
Does it cost anything to get in?
No. Admission is free. We only charge for parking, so if you walk in, it costs nothing.
How does parking work?
One weekend parking pass per car covers the whole event — come and go as you like. Bring your friends and fill up the car. Parking is on the south lawn.
Passes are $15 online through Thursday, October 8 at 11:59 PM (buy one here), or $20 at the entrance, cash or Venmo.
Passes are $20 at the entrance, cash or Venmo.
Can I bring a golf cart?
Yes, golf carts are welcome, but each one needs a parking pass. Golf cart parking is next to the main entrance on the event map.
Food, drinks & music
Who’s playing?
- Friday 7:30 PM — Whiskey Trio, country trio on the main stage
- Saturday 11 AM–2 PM — Just Add Water
- Saturday 3–7 PM — Big Luke & The Soul Disciples, Kansas City blues, soul, R&B, and Motown
When is the Bier Garden open?
Saturday, 2–10 PM, run by Lotawana Brewing Company.
Can I try the competition BBQ?
Team BBQ is for the judges. A generous team might offer you a sample, but don’t count on it.
The competition
How does the judging work?
Lotasmoke is a KCBS-style contest with four meat categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork, and beef brisket. Teams must turn in all four to be eligible for the overall championship. Turn-ins are Saturday from 12 to 1:30 PM. There’s also a Best Party award, judged Friday night on campsite hospitality, setup, and spirit.
When are the awards?
Saturday at 4:30 PM on the main stage, during the Big Luke & The Soul Disciples intermission.
How do I find a team?
Every team has a numbered tent, 1–22, along the competitor row. Look up a team, captain, or member on the Teams page, then match the number on the event map.
Who won in past years?
Every champion and category winner since 2023 is on the Archive page.
How can I enter a team next year?
Email lotasmoke@lotawanalive.com and we’ll let you know when 2027 registration opens.
On the grounds
Where can I get help or ask a question?
Go to the volunteer tent, tent D next to the stage. You can also email lotasmoke@lotawanalive.com.
Where do I pick up my merch order?
At the volunteer tent, tent D next to the stage.
Where are the restrooms?
Portable restrooms are next to the Lake Lotawana Association office, near the stage. They’re marked on the event map.
What are tents A–D?
The event tents around the stage: A — Professional Firefighters of Southern Jackson County FPD, B — Lotawana Brewing Company, C — our sponsors, D — the volunteer tent, for questions and merch pickup.
Is there anything for kids?
Yes. Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM there are giant bounce houses and slides.
What happens if it rains?
Lotasmoke is rain or shine.
Giving back
Where does the money go?
Lotasmoke is run by the Lotawana Live committee, part of Lake Lotawana Parks and Recreation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Lotasmoke is a fundraiser for future Parks & Rec initiatives around the lake.
How can I donate?
Venmo @LotawanaParksandRec. Donations are tax-deductible. You can also mail a check.
Can my business sponsor Lotasmoke?
Yes — email lotasmoke@lotawanalive.com about sponsoring in 2027. See who sponsored this year on the Sponsors page.