2024 Texas Monthly BBQ Fest benefiting Feeding Texas in Lockhart
The annual festival returns to the BBQ Capital of Texas during the first weekend of November.
Early Bird On Sale June 14
Texas Monthly is excited to bring TM BBQ Fest benefitting Feeding Texas back to Lockhart during the first weekend of November. The historical downtown will create the backdrop for the third annual BBQ World’s Fair on Saturday, November 2, and the Top 50 Picnic will return to Lockhart City Park on Sunday, November 3.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 14! Only TM BBQ Club members will have access to early-bird tickets at the lowest price. If you want early access to tickets, join the club today! Tickets are on sale to the general public on July 1.
Like and follow the TM BBQ Fest on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates. Texas Monthly is pleased to continue a partnership with Feeding Texas and support the unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. A portion of all ticket proceeds will be donated to Feeding Texas and the network of food banks across the state. Additional contributions can be made on the Feeding Texas website.
Events
Saturday, November 2
BBQ World's Fair
Kick-off the weekend and celebrate the big, wide world of ‘cue with this open-to-the-public street festival. Everything from barbecue and taco vendors, an artisan marketplace, live-fire cooking demos, and a live music stage! Featured joints will showcase creative flavors, plus a curated Taco Trail lineup. Event is free to attend. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Come eat and explore everything the Texas ‘cue-mmunity has to offer!
FOOD: Purchase food from a curated lineup of barbecue and taco vendors; Food service begins at 12p until supplies sell out.
MARKET VENDORS: Applications for marketplace vendors are open now. There is a booth fee for participating vendors. Apply here. Deadline is August 30.
UPDATES: Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and mark yourself as “going” to thisevent on Facebook for real-time updates, including line up of food, music, and more.
12-7pm
Sunday, November 3
Top 50 Picnic
This is the event that everyone knows and loves—a Sunday afternoon with live music, beverages, and 35+ barbecue joints featured on Texas Monthly’s most recent list of Top 50 BBQ Joints. There are two ticket levels, VIP and GA. VIP is limited in quantity, and VIP ticket holders get entry to the event an hour before GA. See below chart for prices.
VIP ADMISSION: Doors for VIP open at 12pm. VIP tickets start at $135 and include food at all the featured joints, plus an extra hour of VIP access, meaning fewer lines! VIP tickets also include two (2) drink tickets. Quantity is limited and is expected to sell out. Early bird tickets go on sale June 14.
GENERAL ADMISSION: Doors for GA open at 1pm. GA tickets start at $105 and include food at all the featured joints. Early bird tickets go on sale June 14.
TRAY POLICY: In the spirit of what BBQ Fest is all about, and ensuring that all attendees get to enjoy the BBQ joints that participate, we are implementing a new tray policy. Trays will be permitted under the following rules:
Trays must be smaller than 10”x14”x1”—We will check size at the gate.
Limit 1 tray per person.
No catering trays, tray lids, or carryout of food will be allowed.
ON SALE: Early bird tickets are on sale June 14. Only TM BBQ Club members will have access to early bird tickets at a lower price. Tickets are on sale to the general public on July 1.
UPDATES: Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and mark yourself as “going” to this event on Facebook for real-time updates, including line up of food, music, and more.
12-4pm
Partnerships
All food vendors at the festival are curated by Texas Monthly editorial staff. Our event team accepts applications for marketplace vendors for Saturday’s BBQ World’s Fair. For details on how selections are made or how to apply, click here. If accepted, marketplace vendors are subject to a booth fee. Deadline to apply is August 30.
Sponsorship activation opportunities are also available. To view a general sponsorship deck, click here. For more information on opportunities, please email jlevigarza@texasmonthly.com.
What is Texas Monthly BBQ Fest benefiting Feeding Texas?
Held annually since 2010, Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is the state’s premier barbecue celebration. The two-day festival in Lockhart is comprised of the BBQ World’s Fair on Saturday, November 2 and the Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 3.
Feeding Texas is the official beneficiary of the festival, leading the unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. TM BBQ Fest will direct donations through ticket sales and other means to support Feeding Texas and the network of food banks across the state. Click here to donate!
Will Daniel Vaughn be at TM BBQ Fest events?
Yes! Don’t miss your opportunity to mingle with the TM barbecue editor.
What happens if it rains during TM BBQ Fest?
All events are rain or shine! Follow us on Instagram for up-to-the-minute updates about the event.
Can I volunteer at TM BBQ Fest?
Yes! We love our volunteers—they are a huge reason we are able to put on a successful event year after year. If you’re interested in volunteering at TM BBQ Fest 2024, please submit an application form.
What can I expect in terms of road closures?
We are working to provide information about road closures as soon as we have confirmation from Lockhart city officials. Check back soon for more information.
Are dogs/pets allowed at the TM BBQ Fest?
No. At all related events, only service dogs will be allowed on property.
Are TM BBQ Fest events kid-friendly?
Yes! Both the BBQ World’s Fair and Top 50 Picnic in Lockhart are family-friendly! See Ticketing FAQs for info about kids ticket prices.
I'm a TM BBQ Club member. What special perks do I get?
Our tried and true BBQ Freaks will have have early access to (discounted!) tickets beginning June 14. Not a member? Join the club!
At the event, make sure to stop by the TM BBQ Club tent to claim your collectable patch. And on Sunday, at the Top 50 Picnic, we’re excited to bring back CLUB BBQ—our members-only bar and lounge located right behind the TM BBQ Club tent.
Can I smoke at the TM BBQ Fest events?
No. The only things smoking will be the BBQ pits. Smoking will not be permitted on the grounds.
Will there be medical staff on site?
There will be public and private security, as well as medical staff on site for the duration of the event. If you need any assistance go to the medical tent, locate the closest security guard, or BBQ Fest Staff member.
Will there be a lost and found?
After the events, please email [email-hidden] to inquire about lost items. Texas Monthly will not be held responsible for unclaimed items.
How do I get press credentials to cover the event?
Press credentials are distributed on a case by case basis. Please reach out to [email-hidden] if you are interested in covering the event.
The BBQ World’s Fair will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 12-7pm.
Where is the BBQ World's Fair?
The BBQ World’s Fair will take place the streets of downtown Lockhart, in front of the Caldwell County courthouse.
What is the BBQ World's Fair?
The BBQ World’s Fair is a day of barbecue celebration, part of Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. There will be barbecue joints, taquerias, beverages, live music, demonstrations, and a marketplace with vendors. The event will take place on Saturday, November 2 and is free and open to the public. There will be no ticketed portion to the BBQ World’s Fair as there has been in years past.
Do I need a ticket to attend the BBQ World's Fair?
No. The event will be free and open the public. Food, beverages, and market items will require purchase.
Will I need a cash or debit/credit card at the BBQ World's Fair?
Yes. Food, beverages, and marketplace items will require purchase.
What is the Taco Trail?
The Taco Trail at TM BBQ Fest is a portion of the festival dedicated to celebrating the beautiful intersection of tacos and barbecue. This year’s lineup is curated by taco editor José Ralat.
Where should I park when I arrive?
Because of street closures, there will be limited parking in downtown Lockhart. There will be shuttle parking from the high school. Check back soon for more details.
How do I become a vendor at the BBQ World's Fair?
Food vendors are curated by Texas Monthly editors. Marketplace vendors are open to application. Apply here. Deadline to apply is August 30.
How do I become a featured BBQ joint or taco vendor at the BBQ World's Fair?
Food vendors at the BBQ World’s Fair are invite-only. If you’d like to be considered, please reach out to us at [email-hidden].
What is being done to improve the BBQ World's Fair from last year?
We have decided to remove the ticketed portion from Saturday’s event in an effort to remove stress on both the participating BBQ joints and event attendees. Food will be available for purchase, but please be aware that all featured barbecue joints are likely to sell out before the event concludes.
The Top 50 Picnic will be held on Sunday, November 3 from 12-4pm. *Note: Daylight savings time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 3. Remember to set your clocks back.*
Where is the Top 50 Picnic?
The Top 50 Picnic will take place at Lockhart City Park, at 504 City Park Rd, Lockhart, TX 78644.
What is the Top 50 Picnic?
The Top 50 Picnic has been at the center of Texas Monthly BBQ Fest for fifteen years. The event invites thirty-plus barbecue joints from across the state, all featured on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ List. Attendees enjoy barbecue, sides, beverages, and live music.
Do I need a ticket to attend the Top 50 Picnic?
Yes. Tickets are sold as Kids, General Admission, and VIP Admission. Get your tickets early, because tickets (especially VIP) are likely to sell out. Please note that there is no Weekend Bundle option this year, considering the BBQ World’s Fair is 100% free to attend. See Ticketing FAQs for more details.
Will I need a cash or debit/credit card at the Top 50 Picnic?
Yes. Food is included with your ticket, but beverages and merch will require purchase.
Are trays or coolers allowed?
In the spirit of what BBQ Fest is all about, and ensuring that all attendees get to enjoy the BBQ provided by participating joints, we are implementing a new tray policy. Trays will be permitted under the following rules:
Trays must be smaller than 10”x14”x1”—We will check size at the gate.
Limit 1 tray per person.
No catering trays, tray lids, or carryout of food will be allowed.
Absolutely no coolers.
Where should I park when I arrive?
Parking will be available in Lockhart City Park. Shuttle parking will also be available. Check back soon for more details.
Early bird ticket sales begin at 11 a.m. CT on Friday, June 14. Only TM BBQ Club members will have access during this time. Click here to join the club! Regular sale begins 11 a.m. CT on Monday, July 1.
Is there a limit on the amount of tickets a TM BBQ Club member can purchase during the early-bird ticket release?
Each TM BBQ Club member will have the opportunity to purchase up to four (4) tickets per member. Please keep in mind that there are a limited number of early-bird tickets available, so we ask that you do not take more tickets than you need. If you’d like to purchase more than four tickets, more tickets will become available when tickets will go on sale to the general public on July 1.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets will become available right here, on this page beginning June 14 at 11 a.m. for TM BBQ Club members only.
Tickets will become available right here, on this page beginning July 1 at 11 a.m. for the general public.
How much does it cost to attend?
BBQ Fest: BBQ World’s Fair, GA (All Ages): Free!
BBQ Fest: Top 50 Picnic, Kids (Ages 6-12): $40, see ticket graphic
BBQ Fest: Top 50 Picnic, GA (Ages 13+): Starting at $105, see ticket graphic
BBQ Fest: Top 50 Picnic, VIP Wristband (Ages 13+): Starting at $125, see ticket graphic
The BBQ World’s Fair on Saturday, November 4 is free admission. The Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 5 has free admission for children 5 and under, but please feel free to reserve a Kid’s ticket in case of a sellout. Tickets for children ages 6-12 have discounted rates. See above for ticket prices.
Do you offer group rates?
A limited number of Group Rate packages are available when a single transaction includes 15 tickets or more. Group Rate discount is 12.5% and does not apply to Early Bird pricing or VIP Tickets. As with all ticket purchases, group tickets are non-refundable. However, tickets may be transferred to other individuals. Email [email-hidden] to purchase.
Is there a ticketed portion to the BBQ World's Fair?
No, there will be no ticketed portion to the BBQ World’s Fair as there has been in years past. Saturday is 100% free to attend, but food, beverages, and marketplace goods will require purchase. Bring cash or card.
What is included with the purchase of a GA Ticket for the Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 3?
Top 50 Picnic GA ticket holders will have free access to food from participating barbecue joints between 1–3 p.m. Beverages and merch will be sold separately. Bring cash or card.
What is included with the purchase of a VIP Ticket for the Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 3?
Top 50 Picnic VIP ticket holders will have access to food from participating barbecue joints, and they will have access to the grounds one hour in advance of GA ticket holders (beginning at 12 p.m.). Ticket also includes 2 complimentary drink tickets. Other beverages and merch will be sold separately. Bring cash or card.
