Texas Monthly has unveiled the eagerly awaited details for its 14th annual BBQ Fest, set to take place in the barbecue capital of Texas, Lockhart. Building on the resounding success of last year’s event, the two-day extravaganza is slated for November 4th and 5th, offering enthusiasts a smoky and delectable experience that promises to surpass previous editions. This marks the second consecutive year that the festival will grace the charming town, making it a true tradition for both locals and barbecue aficionados from all around.
Boasting an impressive lineup, the festival will feature over 30 pitmasters from Texas Monthly’s prestigious Top 50 BBQ Joints list, ensuring attendees are treated to a culinary journey of the Lone Star State’s most exquisite barbecue offerings. The anticipation was high, and eager barbecue enthusiasts snapped up tickets, which were made available on Friday.
Last year’s decision to relocate the festival to Lockhart proved to be a genius move, with the event attracting record-breaking attendance numbers. Over 9,000 guests flocked to indulge in mouthwatering bites from 44 participating joints. What’s more, the 2022 festival introduced the innovative BBQ World’s Fair, a concept that showcased the diverse cultural influences that have shaped traditional Texas BBQ. Drawing inspiration from an array of global cuisines, such as Egyptian, Vietnamese, and Mexican, the fair captivated attendees and raised an impressive $41,000, benefiting Feeding Texas.
The 2023 BBQ Fest will continue its residency in Lockhart’s historic Town Square, promising a dynamic blend of barbecue newcomers and iconic, time-tested joints. Attendees can look forward to engaging live fire cooking demonstrations, a bustling marketplace featuring exceptional Texas artisans, live music performances, and much more.
Lockhart’s Mayor, Lew White, expressed excitement for the upcoming festivities, stating, “We are thrilled to have Texas Monthly and everyone back to Lockhart for the 2023 BBQ Fest. Last year’s festival brought together people from across the country in pursuit of Texas’s finest barbecue. They were not only treated to exceptional food but also got a taste of Lockhart’s rich history and warm hospitality. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back for another unforgettable experience!”
What BBQ lovers need to know:
Kicking off on Saturday, November 4th, the BBQ World’s Fair will take center stage, celebrating the diverse and innovative flavors that are redefining barbecue across the state. This unique fair will feature barbecue and taco vendors, a curated artisan marketplace, captivating live-fire cooking demonstrations, and a lively music stage. The following day, on November 5th, attendees can immerse themselves in the revered Texas Monthly Top 50 Picnic, a ticketed event featuring live music, a variety of beverages, and an array of barbecue joints that have earned a spot on Texas Monthly’s latest Top 50 BBQ Joints list.
Melissa Reese, Texas Monthly’s director of video and events, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s return, saying, “Last year, we were thrilled to bring back our grand in-person festival, and Lockhart provided the perfect backdrop for it. As we head back to the heart of barbecue culture, we’re excited to build on that success. The 2023 BBQ Fest promises more cooking demonstrations, sensational live music performances, an eclectic lineup of barbecue talent, and exciting new collaborations. This year’s festival is more than just a taste test of the best barbecue joints; it’s set to be our most remarkable BBQ Fest yet.”
General admission tickets, starting at $100 each, are available for purchase, providing access to this extraordinary celebration of Texas barbecue. In the spirit of giving back, a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to Feeding Texas and its network of food banks across the state, aligning the event with efforts to combat hunger in the Lone Star State.
The 2023 BBQ Fest extends its gratitude to its sponsors: Anheuser-Busch, Central Texas Refuse, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Jim Beam, Mill Scale Metalworks, Rambler Sparkling Water, Sierrah Wood, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Stay updated on all the latest event news by joining the Texas Monthly barbecue newsletter, liking the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest Facebook Page, and following Texas Monthly’s BBQ Editor Daniel Vaughn on Twitter and Instagram: @BBQsnob. The countdown to the most anticipated barbecue event of the year has officially begun, promising an unforgettable weekend of smoky delights and Southern hospitality in the heart of Lockhart, Texas.
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