15 Questions & Answers for Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival in Tyler

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival returns to downtown Tyler, TX on Saturday, May 4th. If you're reading this you likely got your tickets and are curious what to expect as you make your way to Tyler's biggest annual BBQ and live music party.

But first, if you still haven't got your tickets, click here and secure them now. It's gonna be an amazing day full of BBQ and live music from Randy Rogers Band, Casey Donahew, Kolby Cooper, Mark Chesnutt, Treaty Oak Revival, and Pony Bradshaw

Ok, let's get into the questions.

What's included with each ticket?

VIP tickets include hour-earlier entry into the BBQ festival (12:00 PM), a festival t-shirt, two drink coupons, and a private VIP area with seating, a private bar, and front-of-stage access.

General Admission ticket-holders may enter at 1:00 PM and those tickets include samples from every barbecue restaurant and access to the concert.

Afternoon Access ticket-holders may enter at 3:45 PM and these tickets only include the concert. There will be food vendors who open at 4:00 PM after the BBQ portion of the festival is over, and barbecue restaurants may have food for sale if they choose to do so.

What's this festival all about?

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival celebrates the best in Texas barbecue and live Texas & Red Dirt music. In 2024 we'll have more than 20 of the best barbecue restaurants from all over the state to let you sample their tasty smoked meats and we'll have live music all day.

What restaurants are attending?

Check out our 20+ participating barbecue restaurants right here.

How does the BBQ festival work?

It's simple: You pay for your GA or VIP ticket and that includes a sample of smoked meats from each of our participating restaurants at the festival. The joints will be bringing a variety of meats -- from brisket, ribs, sausage, beef ribs, funky creations, and more.

Can I come and go from the festival?

Yep. You will receive a wristband when you first enter the festival, which will allow you to leave and return as you please. As long as you have the wristband on, so don't take it off! No wristband = no re-entry.

Can I bring in a bag?

This event will have a clear bag policy.

What else should I bring money for?

If you're in a shopping mood, you can check out many vendor booths that will be at the festival. You'll also be able to purchase non-alcoholic beverages, merchandise, food from local food trucks after the BBQ is gone, and more. Whether certain booths accept credit/debit cards will be at the discretion of the vendors. ATMs will be on-site if you need cash.

How will alcohol sales work?

Drink tickets must be purchased for all alcoholic beverages. There will be several ticket tents selling tickets. Tickets are redeemed at the bars for all alcohol. There will be a select few liquor sponsors at Red Dirt in 2024, and will work the same way.

What's the deal with parking?

Parking is free unless certain businesses wish to charge at their lots at their discretion. We recommend getting downtown early since parking is spread out in all directions. You assume all risk and responsibility for where you park.

Can we bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc.?

Yes. Keep in mind that we will have a designated area in the general admission part of the streets where chairs will not be allowed to offer more people the opportunity to stand and be close to the stage. This will be in addition to chairs not being allowed in the VIP area directly in front of the stage. There will be plenty of room for VIPs and non-VIPs to have chairs with great views of the stage, however. Plus, we think you should stand for killer music anyway.

Will food be available to Afternoon Access ticket holders?

Every barbecue restaurant participating in the festival is allowed to bring extra food to sell to concert-goers if they wish after 4:00 PM. This does not necessarily guarantee food will be available from all/any participating restaurants. We will have select food trucks at the festival that will open at 4:00 PM.

What can I NOT bring?

Outside food or drinks, weapons, drugs, NO TRAYS, coolers, friends who waited too long to buy tickets, pets (service animals are welcome, of course, with proper documentation) vegetarianism, and bad attitudes. Read more of our festival policies here.

What should I bring?

The party. Good vibes. And sunglasses. And a hat. Maybe some sunscreen. It gets hot.

Can children attend?

Absolutely. This is an all-ages event, including the concert. Children 5 and under will be accepted into the festival for free, though we request you share your food samples with children younger than 5 to allow for enough food for everyone. Anyone older than 5 will require a ticket.

Can I be a sponsor or a vendor?

We have limited sponsorships and very limited vendor booth spaces available for the festival. Click here and fill out the form and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.