Date/Time

Sunday, October 30, 2011

12 p.m. – 1 p.m.: VIP admission (see ticket info below)

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.: General admission

Place

The City Terrace at the Long Center

Overlooking beautiful Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin.
701 W. Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)
Austin, Texas (map it)

Directions

From San Antonio:

  • Take I-35 North
  • Exit Riverside Drive and head west (left)
  • The Long Center is on the left, just past the intersection at S. 1st Street

From Dallas:

  • Take I-35 South
  • Exit Riverside Drive and head west (right)
  • The Long Center is on the left just past the intersection at S. 1st Street

Ticket Info

When will tickets go on sale?

VIP tickets go on sale June 8, 2011.

General admission tickets go on sale August 10, 2011.

How much does it cost to attend?

VIP tickets: $118* (see below for VIP ticket benefits)

General Admission tickets: $58*

NOTE: Children 5 and under are free; however you must order a complimentary child ticket through the Long Center to reserve your child’s spot in case of a sellout.

*$7 Long Center service fee applicable to all tickets purchased online or over the phone. Service fee does not apply to tickets purchased at the 3M Box Office.

What is included with the purchase of a VIP ticket?

VIP ticket holders will receive:

  • 2 beverage coupons
  • One (1) BBQ Festival T-shirt
  • One (1) one-year subscription to TEXAS MONTHLY
  • One (1) Q Card redeemable at participating restaurants and retailers (click here for more Q Card details)
  • Admission onto the festival grounds for one hour (12pm-1pm) prior to general admission ticket holders.

NOTE: VIP Ticket holders can pick up their gift items at a designated VIP booth on the festival grounds. Each ticket includes a one-year subscription to Texas Monthly. By providing your shipping information at check-out, this will automatically process a new one-year subscription for you, or extend your existing subscription for another year. Each subscription is valued at $2.00. If you would like to decline your subscription you may request a refund of $2.00 by contacting Megan Jackson at MJackson@texasmonthly.com.

Where do I purchase tickets?

You can purchase your tickets online, over the phone, or in person at the 3M Box Office. The 3M Box Office is located at the street-level of the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, Texas 78704. Open daily and through intermission during performances. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash and personal checks are accepted for payment.

Festival goers have the option to have tickets mailed in advance (for an additional fee) or held at will-call for pickup the day of the event.

Are tickets also available at the door?

Yes. Barring a complete sellout, tickets will be available for purchase (VIP admission: $125; general admission: $65) at the 3M Box Office the day of the event.

Is there a discount for children?

Yes. Children 5 and under will receive complimentary admission to the festival; however you must order a complimentary child ticket through the Long Center to reserve your child’s spot in case of a sellout.

Food & Beverage Info

What food will be free or included in the ticket price?

Participating BBQ restaurants will sample their famous meats including ribs, sausage, brisket, and more. Items served by participating restaurants are subject to change.

Do I need to bring cash for extra purchases?

We highly recommend bringing cash for extra purchases; however, the Long Center has an ATM on the property as an added convenience.

Will there be additional food besides meat?

Yes. Several BBQ restaurants will be showcasing their meats as well as various sides and desserts. So come hungry!

Can I buy alcohol at the event?

Yes. There will be a cash bar on-site offering a variety of beverages (wine, beer, liquor, soft drink, bottled water) for purchase.

Will water be made available to festival-goers?

Water fountains located inside the Long Center Orchestra Lobby are available for festival guests to enjoy at no charge. Bottled water will be available for purchase at the festival cash bar.

Event Info

Where should I park when I arrive?

Parking is available in the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage (900 Barton Springs Road) located between Riverside Drive, South First Street and Barton Springs Road, just south of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin (cost: $7 per car, fee paid at booths upon entering garage). Click here for additional parking directions and details.

Will there be a shuttle service available to the festival?

No.

Where should I stay if I’m coming in from out of town to attend the event?

The TEXAS MONTHLY BBQ Festival does not have an official host hotel; however, the following hotels are located within a ten mile radius of the festival. Please click here to view the list of hotels and visit their websites for rates and availability.

What happens if it rains the day of the festival?

The show will go on rain or shine! We have a great rain plan already figured to ensure you’ll get your fill of barbecue and good music regardless of the weather. But if it makes you feel better, feel free to check out our website the day of the festival for up-to-the-minute updates. Better yet, sign up for our BBQ Festival mailing list so we can keep you posted on the latest and greatest news about the festival.

Who should I contact with any general inquiries?

For general inquiries, please email bbqfestival@texasmonthly.com.

Are dogs/pets allowed at the festival?

No. Only service dogs will be allowed on property.

Is the festival kid-friendly?

The festival welcomes BBQ fans of all ages. Children 5 years and under receive complimentary admission (see ticket info above); however the festival does not have kid-friendly activities currently slated so please plan accordingly.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The drop-off area for mobility impaired guests is from the Keller Williams Circular Drive directly in front of the Long Center. Mobility impaired parking is available on all levels of the Palmer Events Center Garage.

The accessible entrance to the Long Center is on the ground floor to the left of the Grand Staircase. Elevators are located just inside through the Rollins Studio Theatre Lobby.

Miscellaneous

Will you accept a debit or credit card?

The Long Center Box Office will accept debit or credit cards for payment. Restaurants and vendors participating in the festival may or may not accept debit/credit cards for payment so please plan to bring cash for purchases.

Will there be ATM access?

Yes, the Long Center has an ATM on the property.

What seating is available? Should I bring a blanket or lawn chair?

The festival will provide ample seating under shaded tents on the City Terrace. Lawn chairs will not be permitted. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets to spread out on the Long Center lawn.

Are coolers permitted?

No. Coolers are not permitted on the festival grounds; however, water fountains located inside the Long Center Orchestra Lobby are available for festival guests to enjoy at no charge.

Can I smoke at the event?

No. The only smoking going on will be on the BBQ pits at the festival. Smoking will not be permitted on the festival grounds.