The best part about living in Kyle, Texas is that you’re close to some of the best BBQ in the country. And not only that, but you’re just 30 minutes away from two days of some of the best BBQ in one place! There will be — count ’em — 30 BBQ joints from across Texas at the fest!
What Is Texas Monthly BBQ Fest?
The tenth annual BBQ fest occurs on Nov. 2 and 3 in Austin. Texas Monthly invites the top 50 BBQ joints in Texas to the event. So, you will have the opportunity to try the best of the best BBQ without traveling all over the place!
A ticket gets you free samples of BBQ, sides, and desserts from all participating joints. Check out the BBQ fest lineup to see what BBQ you can sample. Be warned that it’s while supplies last – you may want to head there early for a chance to try it all.
What’s BBQ without cold drinks, desserts, and music? All that will be on hand. The Suffers and Austin’s own Al Dressen’s BBQ Playboys will provide the entertainment. Enjoy the sounds of western swing from Al Dressen’s BBQ Playboys. The band has been around since 1982 and will remind you of the Texas Playboys. The band will have you swingin’ in no time.
The Suffers are an award-winning eight-piece ensemble from Houston that specializes in Gulf Coast Soul. They’ve played more than 300 shows around North America and their first TV appearance was on Late Show With David Letterman. Since then, they’ve performed at The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Before You Go to Austin for the BBQ Fest
The first thing you want to know is that daylight saving time begins the night before the BBQ. Be sure to set your alarm back one hour to ensure you arrive on time. VIP doors open at noon and general admission at 1 pm. The event, held at the Long Center for Performing Arts (701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704), runs until 4 pm.
Beware that all bags are subject to search. Coolers, storage containers, and guns are not allowed on the property. Any food not purchased at the event cannot enter the building. You can park in the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage (900 Barton Springs Rd.). It’s open on a first-come, first-serve basis and costs $8 per vehicle. You’ll pay at the booth as you enter the garage.
Other parking spaces include One Texas Center Garage (505 Barton Springs Rd.) and Austin City Hall Parking Garage (301 W. 2nd St.). Accessible parking is available at the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage.
If it rains, the show will go on! Kids are welcome, but there are no kid-friendly activities. The only animals permitted are service animals.
All this talk of BBQ is making us hungry. What are your favorite BBQ joints near Dripping Springs? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook.