This is the event everyone knows and loves—a Sunday afternoon with live music, beverages, and 35-plus barbecue joints featured on Texas Monthly’s 2025 Top 50 BBQ list. There are two ticket levels, VIP and General Admission. VIP tickets are limited in quantity, and VIP ticket holders get entry to the event an hour before GA ticket holders.
- VIP ADMISSION: Doors for VIP open at 12 p.m. VIP tickets start at $165 for Early Bird ($200 for General Public) and include food at all of the featured joints, plus an extra hour of VIP access, meaning fewer and shorter lines! VIP tickets also include two (2) drink tickets. Quantity is limited and is expected to sell out. Early-bird tickets go on sale June 24. General Public goes on sale July 1 and 11:00 a.m.
- GENERAL ADMISSION: Doors for GA open at 1 p.m. GA tickets start at $120 for Early Bird ($135 for General Public)and include food at all of the featured joints. Early-bird tickets go on sale June 24. General Public goes on sale July 1 and 11:00 a.m.
- ADD-ONS: This year, ticket buyers will have the ability to add-on the following items to their purchase:
- Kids Admission: A kids ticket can be purchased in addition to an adult GA or VIP ticket.
- 2025 Commemorative Tray: Trays will be available for pickup at the Top 50 Picnic box office beginning November 2, 2025. Our commemorative trays are metal and measure 12″x16″x1″ in accordance with our official tray policy.
- Please note that trays are limited in quantity and are expected to sell out quickly.
- Parking Pass for Lockhart City Park: If you choose to pre-purchase a parking pass for the Top 50 Picnic, you will be guaranteed parking at Lockhart City Park for the event on November 2, 2025.
- Please note that parking passes are limited in quantity and are expected to sell out quickly.
- TRAY POLICY: In the spirit of ’cue-mmunity, and to ensure that all attendees get to enjoy as much barbecue as possible, we have implemented a tray policy. Trays will be permitted under the following rules:
- Trays must be smaller than 12″ x 16″ x 1″—we will check size at the gate.
- Limit one tray per person.
- No catering trays, tray lids, or carryout of food will be allowed.
- ON SALE: Early-bird tickets go on sale June 24. Only TM BBQ Club members will have access to early-bird tickets at a lower price. Tickets go on sale to the general public July 1.
- UPDATES: Make sure you’re following us on Instagram for real-time updates, including announcements of the lineups of food, music, and more. And don’t forget to mark yourself as “Going” to the event on Facebook.
12–4 p.m.
