Texas Monthly BBQ Fest returns to Lockhart Nov. 7–8

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                        

   The Texas Monthly BBQ Fest returns to Lockhart Nov. 7–8, bringing some of the state’s top pitmasters and an estimated 12,000 attendees to the city for two days of food, music and activities. The festival, now in its 17th year, will feature Saturday’s free BBQ World’s Fair in downtown Lockhart and Sunday’s ticketed Top 50 Picnic at Lockhart City Park.

   Saturday’s activities run from noon until 6 p.m. around the historic Caldwell County Courthouse. The BBQ World’s Fair will feature food vendors, cooking demonstrations, an artisan marketplace, and live entertainment. Admission is free, although food and beverages will be available for purchase. Some vendors may sell out before the event ends.

  The Texas Monthly Taco Trail will also return, featuring taquerias selected by Texas Monthly taco editor José R. Ralat. Musical performances will include DJ Island Time, Randeen, the Texases, the Weary Boys and Shinyribs.

   Sunday’s Top 50 Picnic will take place at Lockhart City Park, located at 410 Carver St., from 1 to 4 p.m., with VIP admission beginning at noon. More than 35 restaurants featured on Texas Monthly’s 2025 list of the 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas are expected to participate, including all 10 of the highest-ranked establishments. The event will feature food samples from participating restaurants and live performances by Mixer Rogers, JD Clark and Ellis Bullard.

   General admission tickets are $140, with tickets for children ages 6 through 12 priced at $40. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Admission includes food samples from participating restaurants. According to Texas Monthly’s Oct. 12 announcement, VIP tickets have sold out, while general admission tickets remained available at that time.

   The festival is also expected to increase activity for local businesses as visitors make their way through downtown and surrounding areas. Lockhart’s First Friday celebration on Nov. 6 will give those arriving early an opportunity to visit downtown shops and restaurants before the weekend events begin. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit Feeding Texas, an organization that supports food banks across the state.

   With activities taking place downtown Saturday and at City Park Sunday, residents and visitors should anticipate heavier traffic and increased demand for parking near both locations.

      Additional information, including tickets, participating restaurants, and event updates, is available at www.texasmonthly.com.