Signature Events

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

Sunday, November 3 — Austin, Texas

On November 2-3, more than 4,200 smoked-meat lovers made the pilgrimage to Austin for the 10th annual Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, which included the sold-out ‘Cue Course at Stiles Switch, Franklin & Friends at Franklin Barbecue, and the Sunday  centerpiece event at the Long Center, where 30 of the state’s best joints served up memorable bites (and Mother Nature served up perfect weather). Thanks to all of y’all who came out!

Stay tuned for 2020 updates!

TMBBQ Club Members get early access to ticket sales before the general on-sale! Plus, exclusive content, special offers, discounts & more. TMBBQ Club Members will also have a chance at a special perk at the TMBBQ Fest!

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Check out more photos here!

2019 Schedule

Sunday, November 3

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

Texas Monthly BBQ Fest returned for its TENTH year, joined by this year’s newcomer, Pitmaster Quy Hoang of Blood Bros. BBQ in Bellaire. Guests enjoyed live music by The Suffers & Al Dressen’s Super Swing Revue as they sampled the top BBQ from across the state.

1–4 p.m. (VIP entry at Noon)
Long Center for the Performing Arts

Saturday, November 2

‘Cue Course

For the third year at Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew, Texas Monthly partnered with Texas A&M University’s Animal Science Department for ’Cue Course – a workshop that dives deep into the secrets of meat science, then went on a private tour of the on-site smokers.

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

Franklin & Friends

Hosted by James Beard Winner Aaron Franklin, guests spent the evening enjoying live-fire cooking, cold beer, and an experience unlike any other. Some friends from Daniel’s recently released The Top 25 New Barbecue Joints in Texas! were also a part of the great night – LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin, Brotherton’s Black Iron BBQ in Pflugerville, Convenience West in Marfa, and Charlie’s Barbecue in Beaumont.

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Franklin Barbecue

2019 Fest Lineup

Music Lineup

Al Dressen’s BBQ Playboys

This group is made up of some of the finest western swing musicians in Texas playing great dance music, but for those who just want to listen, the smile on their faces won’t stop.  The band has been together since 1982 and includes Jim Loessberg on steel, Lonnie Atkinson on guitar and vocals, Howard Kalish sings and plays fiddle,  Mark Kazanoff is on sax, Larry Eisenberg is on bass fiddle, and John Chandler plays drums and adds vocals.  Bandleader and vocalist Al Dressen has been an Austin musician since he was 15.  The band plays real western swing, like the Texas Playboys did, with hot instrumental solos, clever ensemble parts on the melody, a solid rhythm section, diverse lead vocals and harmonies that will remind you of the Texas Playboys songs like Faded Love, Lily Dale, and San Antonio Rose.  This band swings!

The Suffers

The Suffers are Houston’s award-winning 8-piece ensemble that have redefined the sound of Gulf Coast Soul. Established in 2011, The Suffers’ lineup was curated by bassist Adam Castaneda and vocalist/keyboardist Pat Kelly, who brought on trumpet player Jon Durbin, trombonist Michael Razo, guitarist Kevin Bernier, percussionist Jose “Chapy” Luna, and drummer/vocalist Nick Zamora filled out the rhythm section, while front woman Kam Franklin topped off the group with soaring vocals.The last 2 years have brought the band to new heights, as they played 300+ shows across North America, visited NPR in Washington, DC for a Tiny Desk Concert, made their national television debut on Late Show With David Letterman, and officially released their much anticipated self-titled album followed by performances on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

This year they will embark on their first international tour and spread the sweet sound of Gulf Coast Soul across the Caribbean, Western Europe, and Australia.

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