Texas Monthly BBQ Fest 2026
About this event
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest presents: The BBQ World’s Fair! This open-to-the-public event is a smoke-filled extravaganza of all things barbecue. We line the streets of downtown Lockhart with an impressive lineup of barbecue joints, artisan market vendors, cooking demos, live music, and more. It’s a true celebration, right in the heart of the barbecue capital of Texas. The BBQ World’s Fair takes place on Saturday, November 7 from noon to 6pm in the Lockhart square. The event is open to the public and completely FREE to attend. We recommend securing an RSVP to stay informed on any event updates. The BBQ World’s Fair is day one of the two-day BBQ Fest weekend, with the culmination happening at the Top 50 Picnic on Sunday, November 8. To learn more about the Top 50 Picnic and secure your tickets, click here. BBQ World's Fair Kick-off the weekend and celebrate the big, wide world of ‘cue with this open-to-the-public street festival. Shop our curated vendor marketplace, enjoy live-fire cooking demos, and dance to live music all day long! Featured joints will showcase creative flavors that represent the creativity and diversity that exists in Texas barbecue. Event is free to attend. Food, beverages, merch, and more will be available for purchase. Come eat and explore everything the Texas ‘cue-mmunity has to offer! BBQ: Available for purchase! Experience the creative flavors of our curated barbecue vendor lineup (check back soon for more details). Food service begins at 12pm and lasts until the joints are sold out. TACOS: Available for purchase! We are excited to bring back the TM Taco Trail this year due to high demand! Taco editor José Ralat has curated an exciting lineup of taqueros to enrich the BBQ World’s Fair experience. Check back soon for more details. Food service begins at 12pm and lasts until the joints are sold out. MARKET VENDORS: Applications for marketplace vendors are open now. Apply here. Deadline: August 15. MUSIC: Get ready to groove, y’all! Check back soon for details. LOCAL HAPPENINGS: There is so much going on in little ol’ Lockhart. BBQ Fest is a great weekend to come explore the town! Friday, November 6 is First Friday downtown—businesses stay open late and offer fun promotions, so make sure to come out as soon as you get into town. Check texasmonthly.com/event/tm-bbq-fest-bbq-worlds-fair-2026/ for more details! Like and follow the TM BBQ Fest on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates. Texas Monthly is pleased to continue a partnership with Feeding Texas and support the unified effort for a hunger-free Texas. A portion of all ticket proceeds will be donated to Feeding Texas and the network of food banks across the state. Additional contributions can be made on the Feeding Texas website.