The flames are firing up in the c, and this time it is personal. On Saturday, August 2, SMOKE: Masters of the Flavor returns to Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa with an all access barbecue battle that brings together the best pitmasters from Texas and Oklahoma in a full throttle celebration of smoked meat and regional pride.
From 5 to 9 p.m., guests will enjoy a full evening of chef driven barbecue, slow cooked sides, craft cocktails, and live music from Jade Marie Patek and Tomar and the FCs. This is not your average backyard get together. It is a bold, high flavor throwdown where pit legends go head to head for the win.
This Isn’t Just Barbecue. It’s a Full Flavor War
Representing the Lone Star State, Team Texas comes in hot with a stacked roster. You have Feges BBQ from Houston, led by the powerhouse duo Patrick Feges and Erin Smith, blending fine dining technique with backyard soul. From Weslaco, Teddy’s Barbecue brings South Texas heat with pitmaster Joel Garcia, whose skills were honed under legendary Austin smokehouses. Add in Bar A BBQ from Montgomery with Cooper Abercrombie’s wood fired live flame cooking, and Zavala’s Barbecue out of Grand Prairie, mixing Texas tradition with Mexican barbacoa heritage. This is a squad built to impress.
Team Oklahoma is not backing down. Phat Tabb’s BBQ from Idabel, led by Chopped champ and James Beard semifinalist Tabb Singleton, blends Oklahoma sweetness with Texas style technique. MAC’s Barbecue in Skiatook brings a legacy of award winning barbecue dating back to 1985. Luke’s BBQ in Broken Arrow is beloved for its pulled pork, ribs, and juicy brisket. And The Butcher BBQ Stand from Wellston rounds it out with Levi and David Bouska serving old school barbecue on the same Route 66 lot their family has owned for generations.
Judged by Legends. Headlined by Pit Icons
An all star panel of judges will crown the flavor kings. Former University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, Super Bowl champion and Oklahoma Sooner legend Tony Casillas, Top Chef finalist Lindsay Autry, Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis, and Kevin Lee of Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee will bring expert taste and serious hometown pride to every bite.
Evan LeRoy, Kevin Lee, and Omni Barton Creek’s executive chef Steve Gustafson will also headline the weekend events, showcasing their personal styles and culinary stories through smoked meat and bold pairings.
Full Event Breakdown
Masters of the Flavor: BBQ Showdown
Saturday, August 2
5 to 9 p.m.
Tickets: $225 per person
Includes unlimited tastings, cocktails, and live music set against the stunning Texas Hill Country backdrop.
Legends of the Flame: VIP Dinner
Friday, August 1
6 to 10 p.m.
Tickets: $395 per person
This exclusive chef hosted dinner features multiple courses from LeRoy, Lee, and Gustafson. Expect expertly paired drinks, elevated barbecue, and acoustic sets by Jade Marie Patek in an intimate setting.
Lil’ Pitmasters Camp
Kids can join in on the fun at Barton’s Kid Zone with the Lil’ Pitmasters Camp. Designed for children ages four through twelve, the program includes dinner, interactive games, crafts, and supervised summer fun.
This is not just a barbecue festival. It is a culinary showdown between two proud barbecue cultures, backed by award winning chefs, Texas legends, and a crowd that loves to eat. Whether you come for the brisket, the bourbon, or the battle, SMOKE will give you a night you will not forget.
Tickets and event info: smokeatbartoncreek.com
Hotel and accommodation info: omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-barton-creek