After the TM BBQ Fest: Road Trip in 2021, Texas Monthly is excited to bring TM BBQ Fest to the city of Lockhart, the BBQ Capital of Texas! On November 5-6, the historical downtown and Lockhart City Park will create the backdrop for an expanded weekend festival, designed to celebrate many aspects of Texas barbecue.
Leading up to the festival in Lockhart, Texas Monthly will launch smaller Pit Stop events and TM BBQ Week, a statewide restaurant week celebrating barbecue. Find more details below, and follow the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest Facebook page for real-time updates.
And finally, after two years of partnership, Texas Monthly is pleased to announce that Feeding Texas is now the official beneficiary of BBQ Fest. We’re proud to join the unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. Ticket sales will support donations to Feeding Texas and the network of food banks across the state, and additional contributions can be made on the Feeding Texas website.
Lockhart
November 5-6, 2022
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is expanding to two days—Saturday, November 5 is the *new* BBQ World’s Fair in downtown Lockhart. Sunday, November 6 is the annual Top 50 Picnic in Lockhart City Park. Find more details below.
In the streets of downtown Lockhart, this event celebrates the big, wide world of BBQ—featuring food, drinks, live music, BBQ talks, and a marketplace. Featured joints will showcase international and creative flavors, plus a lineup of curated taquerias. Market vendors will include metalworks, crafts, sauces, rubs, and more. The event is free. Bring cash/card for food, drink, market purchases. VIP wristbands for barbecue joints can be purchased in advance.
VIP WRISTBAND: For $50, guests can buy a VIP wristband to get exclusive access to tastings from the featured joints between 12-2pm. Quantity is limited and is expected to sell out. On sale June 8!
VENDORS: Applications for marketplace vendors are open now. Apply here. Deadline is July 31.
UPDATES: Follow this event on Facebook for real-time updates, including line up of food, music, and more.
At Lockhart City Park, this is the event that everyone knows and loves—a Sunday afternoon with live music, beverages, and 30+ barbecue joints featured on Texas Monthly’s most recent list of Top 50 BBQ Joints. New to the event will be BBQ Capital Corner, featuring some hometown favorites from Lockhart.
GENERAL ADMISSION: GA tickets start at $90 and include food at all the featured joints. Early bird tickets go on sale June 8. See above chart for price schedule.
VIP ADMISSION: VIP tickets start at $120 and include food at all the featured joints, plus an extra hour of VIP access, meaning fewer lines! VIP tickets also include 2 complimentary drink tickets. Quantity is limited and is expected to sell out. Early bird tickets go on sale June 8. See above chart for price schedule
UPDATES: Follow this event on Facebook for real-time updates, including line up of food, music, and more.
12-4 p.m.
Pit Stop Events
June 16, 2022 • August 18, 2022
Get ready for a summer of smoke! Leading up to the festival in Lockhart, Texas Monthly is launching summertime Pit Stop events to bring a taste of BBQ Fest to more corners of Texas. Find more details below, and follow the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest Facebook page for real-time updates.
Hosted at Truth BBQ in Houston, multiple barbecue joints will collaborate on a hearty family-style dinner alongside TM barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn. Before the meal, guests will enjoy a live cooking demo, ranging from protein prep to a spin on classic sides. Featured barbecue joints include:
Hosted at Heim Barbecue (River Location), west of Fort Worth, five barbecue joints will collaborate on a seated family-style dinner, where each course tells a story connected to the pitmaster who created it. Before the meal, guests can enjoy a live cooking demo. Featured joints will be announced soon!
TICKETS: Tickets are $150 and include a full dinner and refreshments. Ages 21+ only. Quantity is limited and is expected to sell out. On sale now!
Mark your calendars for another round of TM BBQ Week, a statewide restaurant week celebrating barbecue. From October 29-November 6, participating joints across the state will offer special prices and menu items, and Texas Monthly will round-up all the details in one place. Follow the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest Facebook page for real-time updates.
Highlights from last year!
Smoked Sausage Corn Dog from Heim Barbecue
Post Oak Smoked Beef Rib with Massaman Curry from Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
What is Texas Monthly BBQ Fest benefiting Feeding Texas?
Held annually since 2010, Texas Monthly BBQ Fest is the state’s premiere barbecue celebration, comprised of several events. The flagship is a weekend festival in Lockhart—the BBQ World’s Fair on Saturday, November 5 and the Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 6. Leading up the weekend festival, there are two smaller Pit Stop events and a statewide restaurant week called TM BBQ Week from October 29-November 6.
Feeding Texas is the official beneficiary of the festival and is 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.
Will Daniel Vaughn be at TM BBQ Fest events? events?
Yes! He’ll be at the Pit Stops, BBQ World’s Fair, and the Top 50 Picnic! 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! Check out Texas Monthly BBQ Fest on Facebook for up-to-the-minute updates about the event.
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?
The Pit Stop events will be ages 21 and up, but the weekend festival in Lockhart is family-friendly! See Ticketing FAQs for info about children ticket prices.
Will the TM BBQ Fest events be wheelchair accessible?
Yes! If you have any questions or would like any information on ADA access and accommodations, please email: [email protected]
Can I smoke at the TM BBQ Fest events?
No. The only smoking going on will be in 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 protected] 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?
Please email [email protected] We’ll review submissions and will follow up.
The BBQ World’s Fair will be held on Saturday, November 5 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 new day of barbecue celebration, part of Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. There will be barbecue joints, taquerias, beverages, live music, BBQ talks, and a marketplace with vendors. It is free and open to the public. VIP Wristbands can be purchased for barbecue food service.
Do I need a ticket to attend the BBQ World's Fair?
No, but we encourage you to RSVP. The event will be free and open the public. Food, beverages, and market items will require purchase. VIP Wristbands can be purchased for barbecue food service.
Will I need a cash or debit/credit card at the BBQ World's Fair?
Yes. Food, beverages, and market items will require purchase. The only exception is for attendees who purchase a VIP Wristband. See Ticketing FAQs for more details.
Where should I park when I arrive?
Because of street closures, there will be limited parking in downtown Lockhart. There will be shuttle parking. See event website 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. Click here to apply. Deadline is July 31.
The Top 50 Picnic will be held on Sunday, November 6 from 12-4pm. *Note: Daylight savings time begins at 2:00 a.m. Sunday, November 6. 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 over a decade. The event invites 30+ 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, or VIP Admission. Get your tickets early, because prices increase over time and VIP tickets always sell out. 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.
Where should I park when I arrive?
Parking will be available in Lockhart City Park. Shuttle parking will also be available. See event website for more details.
The Pit Stop events are smaller, more intimate events, compared to the larger festival. The events bring a taste of TM BBQ Fest to different corners of Texas. In 2022, there will be two summertime Pit Stop events leading up to the main event in Lockhart on November 5-6, 2022.
When are the two Pit Stop events in 2022?
The two Pit Stop events will take place on June 16, 2022 from 6-9pm in Houston and August 18, 2022 from 6-9pm in Fort Worth.
Where are the 2022 Pit Stop events?
The 2022 Pit Stop events will be held at Truth BBQ in Houston, TX; Heim Barbecue (River Location) west of Fort Worth.
What’s included with a Pit Stop event ticket?
Ticket holders will have access to a 60-minute educational course lead by BBQ experts followed by a hearty barbecue family-style dinner.
Early bird ticket sales for the events in Lockhart begin at 9 a.m. CT on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. Only TM BBQ Club members will have access during this time. Anyone can join TM BBQ Club during this timeframe, and can get access to early tickets. If you’re not a member, join today for a special 50% off discount through May!
Regular sale for the events in Lockhart begin 9 a.m. CT on Friday, July 1, 2022.
BBQ Fest: Top 50 Picnic, Kids (Ages 6-10): $40, see price schedule
BBQ Fest: Top 50 Picnic, GA (Ages 10+): Starting at $90, see price schedule
BBQ Fest: Top 50 Picnic, VIP Wristband (Ages 10+): Starting at $120, see price schedule **Admittance for children under 6 is free**
BBQ Fest: Weekend Bundle, GA (Ages 10+): Starting at $130, see ticket schedule
BBQ Fest: Weekend Bundle, VIP (Ages 10+): Starting at $160, see ticket schedule
It depends on the event. The Pit Stop events are 21+ only. The BBQ World’s Fair on Saturday, November 5 has free admission, but if you wish to but a VIP wristband, there is no discount. The Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 6 has free admission for children under age 6, but please reserve a ticket through Eventbrite in case of a sellout. Tickets for children ages 6-10 have discounted rates. See above for ticket prices.
What is included with the purchase of a ticket for the Pit Stop events in Houston and Fort Worth?
BBQ World’s Fair VIP Wristband holders will have exclusive access to samples from 9 barbecue joints between 12-2pm on November 5. Outside of this timeframe with designated vendors, other food, drink, and market vendors will be sold separately. Bring cash or card.
What is included with the purchase of a GA Ticket for the Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 6?
Top 50 Picnic GA ticket holders will have free access to food from 30+ barbecue joints. Beverages 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 6?
Top 50 Picnic VIP ticket holders will have free access to food from 30+ barbecue joints, and they will have access to the grounds one hour in advance of GA ticket holders. Ticket also includes 2 complimentary drink tickets. Other beverages will be sold separately. Bring cash or card.
Are tickets refundable?
No, tickets are non-refundable once purchased. You can always transfer your tickets to someone else if you are unable to attend via Eventbrite.
TM BBQ Week will take place from October 29-November 6, 2022 at various locations during the operating hours of participating barbecue joints.
What joints are participating in TM BBQ Week?
Dozens BBQ joints across the state, previously covered in Texas Monthly, will be invited to participate. Follow Texas Monthly BBQ Fest on Facebook to be the first to know when we announce the list!
