Celebrate Henry Perry Day

The Museum of Barbecue is celebrating Henry Perry Day on July 3, 2026.  We will have free admission to the museum, courtesy of Prairie Fresh, and we will be giving away 100 ribs cooked by Burnt End Barbecue.  Prairie Fresh will also be donating the day's proceeds to the Henry Perry Foundation.  

Who is Henry Perry?

A native of Tennessee, Henry Perry began selling smoked meats in Kansas City's Garment District in 1908, building a loyal following that helped establish the city as a national barbecue destination.  More than a century later, his influence continues to shape Kansas City's identity as one of the country's leading barbecue cities.

In 2020, Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas formally proclaimed July 3 as Henry Perry Day in recognition of Perry's lasting impact.  The designation coincided with the centennial of a community barbecue hosted by Perry, where he served more than 1000 Kansas Citians.