After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Houston Barbecue Festival is making its triumphant return. The 9th annual event will take place on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at the Humble Civic Center Arena, showcasing the best of Texas barbecue. This celebration of local culinary talent has been eagerly anticipated by food enthusiasts throughout the Houston area.
The festival will feature an impressive lineup of 27 vendors, representing the diverse barbecue traditions of the region. Attendees can expect to sample mouthwatering creations from renowned establishments such as 1701 Barbecue, Blood Bros BBQ, Brett’s BBQ Shop, and CorkScrew BBQ. With 2,200 guests expected, the event promises to be a lively gathering of barbecue aficionados.
Houston’s barbecue scene has flourished in recent years, and this festival serves as a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a barbecue destination. The event not only offers a chance to indulge in exceptional food but also provides an opportunity to meet and learn from some of the area’s top pitmasters.
Event Overview
The 9th Annual Houston Barbecue Festival is set to return on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the Humble Civic Center Arena. This highly anticipated event celebrates the rich tradition of Texas barbecue, showcasing the region’s top pitmaster talents.
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the festival is making a triumphant comeback. Barbecue enthusiasts from across the Houston area are eagerly awaiting this mouth-watering celebration.
The event features an impressive lineup of local barbecue joints, including:
- 1701 Barbecue
- Blood Bros BBQ
- Brett’s BBQ Shop
- Burns Original BBQ
- CorkScrew BBQ
- Daddy Duncan’s BBQ
- Dozier’s BBQ
Attendees can expect to sample a diverse array of barbecue styles and flavors, representing the area’s varied culinary traditions. The festival runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, providing ample time for guests to indulge in smoky, savory delights.
This gathering serves as a testament to Houston’s vibrant barbecue scene, offering both newcomers and seasoned fans an opportunity to experience the best of Texas BBQ in one convenient location.
Location and Venue
The 9th Annual Houston Barbecue Festival will take place at the Humble Civic Center Arena Complex. This spacious venue is located at 8233 Will Clayton Parkway in Humble, Texas.
Humble is a city situated in the Houston metropolitan area, approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Houston. The Humble Civic Center provides an ideal setting for this large-scale barbecue event.
The Arena Complex offers ample space to accommodate the numerous barbecue vendors, attendees, and activities planned for the festival. Its location in Southeast Texas makes it easily accessible for barbecue enthusiasts from Houston and surrounding areas.
Parking is available on-site, allowing visitors convenient access to the event. The venue’s facilities ensure a comfortable experience for festival-goers, with indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy the barbecue offerings.
By hosting the event in Humble, organizers have chosen a location that represents the diverse barbecue traditions of the greater Houston area. This venue choice allows the festival to showcase the region’s top pitmaster talents in a centralized and well-equipped location.
Festival Dates and Admission Details
The 9th Annual Houston BBQ Festival is set for Sunday, April 3, 2022, at the Humble Civic Center Arena Complex. Tickets are available for purchase online, with options for General Admission and VIP experiences.
General Admission
General Admission tickets cost $60 for pre-sale purchases. These tickets grant entry to the festival from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Attendees receive unlimited sample portions from each participating Houston barbecue joint.
The festival features 26 BBQ establishments, offering a diverse range of Texas barbecue styles and flavors. General Admission ticket holders can explore the event grounds, sample various barbecue offerings, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
VIP Tickets
VIP tickets are priced at $100 for pre-sale purchases. These premium tickets offer several exclusive benefits. VIP ticket holders gain early entry to the festival, allowing them to beat the crowds and start sampling barbecue before general admission begins.
The VIP package includes one complimentary drink ticket and a festival t-shirt. VIP guests can enjoy a more relaxed experience with shorter lines and earlier access to the participating BBQ joints.
To purchase tickets, visitors can use the link provided on the festival’s social media accounts or official website. Creating an account may be required for online ticket purchases.
Featured Participants
The 9th Annual Houston Barbecue Festival showcases an impressive lineup of local barbecue joints and talented pitmasters. This gathering highlights the best of Houston’s thriving barbecue scene, offering attendees a chance to sample a diverse range of smoky delights.
Local BBQ Joints
The festival features an array of renowned Houston-area barbecue establishments. Participants include Truth BBQ, known for their mouthwatering brisket, and Feges BBQ, celebrated for their innovative approach to traditional barbecue. Corkscrew BBQ brings their oak-smoked specialties, while Roegels Barbecue Co offers their famous pastrami beef ribs.
Other notable joints include Blood Bros. BBQ, fusing Asian flavors with Texas barbecue, and Pizzitola’s Bar-B-Cue, representing old-school Houston barbecue traditions. The Pit Room, Burns Original BBQ, and Pinkerton’s BBQ round out the list, each bringing their unique flavors and techniques to the event.
Pitmasters and Chefs
Leading the charge are some of Houston’s most skilled pitmasters. Will Buckman of CorkScrew BBQ showcases his expertise in crafting perfectly smoked meats. Truth BBQ’s Leonard Botello IV demonstrates his mastery of Central Texas-style barbecue.
Joining them are Patrick Feges and Erin Smith of Feges BBQ, known for their whole hog barbecue and creative sides. Russell Roegels of Roegels Barbecue Co brings decades of experience to the festival. The Pit Room’s Bramwell Tripp and Pinkerton’s Grant Pinkerton also share their barbecue prowess with attendees.
Culinary Delights
The Houston BBQ Festival showcases an array of mouthwatering barbecue styles and innovative flavors. Attendees can savor traditional Texas favorites alongside creative fusion dishes that push culinary boundaries.
Central Texas-Style Barbecue
Central Texas-style barbecue takes center stage at the festival. This iconic style focuses on high-quality meats and simple seasonings.
Brisket reigns supreme, slow-smoked to perfection over oak wood. The result is a tender, juicy cut with a flavorful bark.
Beef ribs are another highlight, featuring a peppery crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pitmasters often serve these meats with minimal sides, letting the flavors shine.
Attendees can sample offerings from renowned Houston barbecue joints like CorkScrew BBQ and Blood Bros BBQ. These establishments showcase their expertise in Central Texas traditions.
Tex-Mex Barbecue
Tex-Mex barbecue blends classic Texas smoking techniques with Mexican flavors and ingredients. This fusion style has gained popularity in Houston’s diverse culinary scene.
Smoked meat tacos are a festival favorite. Tender brisket or pulled pork is wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh salsa, cilantro, and lime.
Barbacoa, traditionally made from beef cheeks, gets a smoky twist. The rich, flavorful meat is often served with house-made salsas and charro beans.
Some vendors offer unique creations like smoked elote (Mexican street corn) or brisket-stuffed jalapeño poppers. These dishes showcase the creative potential of Tex-Mex barbecue.
Innovative BBQ Fusion
Houston’s barbecue scene embraces culinary innovation, and the festival reflects this trend. Pitmasters experiment with global flavors and techniques to create exciting new dishes.
Asian-inspired barbecue is gaining traction. Attendees might find Korean gochujang-glazed ribs or brisket banh mi sandwiches.
Vegetarian and vegan options are also emerging. Smoked jackfruit “pulled pork” and barbecued cauliflower “wings” cater to plant-based diets without sacrificing flavor.
Some chefs incorporate barbecue into unexpected dishes. Smoked brisket ramen or barbecue pizza push the boundaries of traditional barbecue presentations.
These fusion creations demonstrate Houston’s evolving barbecue landscape, blending time-honored smoking techniques with diverse culinary influences.
Interactive Experiences
The 9th Annual Houston BBQ Festival offers exciting hands-on activities for attendees. Visitors can engage with expert pitmasters and gain valuable insights into barbecue techniques.
Cooking Demonstrations
Renowned pitmasters showcase their skills through live cooking demonstrations. Attendees watch as experts prepare various cuts of meat and explain their cooking methods. The demonstrations cover topics like meat selection, seasoning techniques, and temperature control.
Festival-goers learn about different wood types and their impact on flavor profiles. Pitmasters also share tips for achieving the perfect bark and smoke ring. Video screens provide close-up views of the action, ensuring everyone can see the techniques in detail.
Q&A Sessions
Interactive Q&A sessions allow attendees to engage directly with barbecue experts. Participants can ask about specific cooking challenges they face at home. Pitmasters offer personalized advice on equipment selection, meat preparation, and flavor enhancement.
These sessions cover topics like brisket trimming, rib preparation, and sauce making. Experts also discuss regional barbecue styles and their unique characteristics. Photos of various barbecue dishes are displayed to illustrate key points during the discussions.
Attendees can submit questions in advance or ask them live during the sessions. This interactive format ensures that participants receive targeted advice relevant to their barbecue interests.
Event Features and Amenities
The 9th Annual Houston BBQ Festival offers a diverse array of attractions for barbecue enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can expect live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, and numerous vendor booths showcasing the best of Texas barbecue.
Entertainment and Live Music
Live music sets the tone for this barbecue extravaganza. Local bands perform throughout the day, creating a lively atmosphere. The festival features a mix of genres, including country, blues, and rock, appealing to a wide range of musical tastes.
A main stage hosts the headline acts, while smaller performance areas are scattered throughout the venue. Attendees can enjoy the tunes while savoring their barbecue selections.
Between musical sets, cooking demonstrations by renowned pitmasters take place. These showcases offer valuable insights into barbecue techniques and recipes.
Family-Friendly Activities
The festival caters to visitors of all ages with a dedicated family zone. Face painting stations and balloon artists provide entertainment for younger guests. A petting zoo allows children to interact with farm animals, adding an educational element to the festivities.
Carnival-style games offer prizes and create a fun, fair-like atmosphere. For the more active attendees, inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses provide physical challenges.
A designated picnic area allows families to relax and enjoy their meals together. This space features shaded seating and is conveniently located near restroom facilities.
Vendor Booths
The heart of the festival lies in its vendor booths, featuring over 25 top-rated barbecue joints from the Houston area. Each booth offers unique specialties, from classic brisket to innovative barbecue fusion dishes.
Visitors can sample a variety of regional barbecue styles, including East Texas, Central Texas, and South Texas preparations. Many vendors also showcase their signature sauces and rubs, available for purchase.
Beverage stations are interspersed among the food vendors, offering local craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic options. Several booths also feature barbecue-related merchandise, such as cookbooks, grilling equipment, and festival souvenirs.
Planning Your Visit
Attending the 9th Annual Houston BBQ Festival requires some preparation. Consider your accommodations, parking options, and nearby attractions to make the most of your trip.
Accommodations
Several hotels are located near the Humble Civic Center Arena. The Comfort Suites Humble Houston offers affordable rooms within walking distance of the festival grounds. For a more upscale experience, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston IAH Airport provides spacious suites and a complimentary shuttle service.
Budget-conscious visitors may opt for the Super 8 by Wyndham Humble/FM 1960/I-69. This hotel offers basic amenities at a lower price point while still being conveniently located.
Parking Information
The Humble Civic Center Arena provides ample parking for festival attendees. A large lot surrounds the venue, offering free parking on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to secure a spot close to the entrance.
For those who prefer not to drive, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area. Designate a pickup and drop-off point near the main entrance for convenience.
Local Attractions
While in town for the BBQ festival, explore some nearby attractions. The Humble Museum offers a glimpse into the area’s history, showcasing artifacts from the early oil boom days. Nature enthusiasts can visit Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, featuring hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
For shopping and dining, head to Deerbrook Mall. This indoor shopping center houses popular retailers and restaurants, perfect for a pre- or post-festival excursion.
Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Tour 18 Golf Course, a unique course that replicates famous holes from around the country.
Supporting Local Businesses
The 9th Annual Houston BBQ Festival provides a platform for local barbecue joints to showcase their skills and gain exposure. Over 25 participants from the Houston area will be featured at the event.
Barbecue pitmasters from small, family-owned establishments get the opportunity to compete alongside more well-known names in the industry. This levels the playing field and allows up-and-coming talent to shine.
The festival generates economic benefits for participating businesses. Exposure to thousands of attendees can lead to increased foot traffic and sales at their permanent locations long after the event concludes.
Local suppliers also benefit from the festival. Many participants source their ingredients from nearby farms and producers, supporting the regional food ecosystem.
The event highlights Houston’s diverse barbecue scene. Pitmasters represent various styles and traditions, from traditional Texas barbecue to innovative fusion approaches.
By bringing together the community’s top barbecue talent, the festival fosters a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition among local businesses. This encourages continuous improvement and innovation in Houston’s barbecue offerings.
Privacy and User Experience
The 9th Annual Houston BBQ Festival prioritizes attendee privacy while delivering a seamless experience. The event organizers implement measures to protect personal information and enhance user interactions.
Cookie Policy
The festival website uses essential cookies to ensure basic functionality. These cookies enable features like secure login and remember user preferences. Optional cookies improve content personalization and site performance. Users can manage cookie settings through their browser preferences. The festival’s Cookies Policy outlines the types of cookies used and their purposes.
Ad Preferences
Targeted advertising helps support the event and keep ticket prices affordable. Attendees can customize their ad experience by adjusting preferences. The festival partners with reputable ad networks to display relevant content. Users have the option to opt out of personalized ads. Ad blockers are permitted but may impact some site features.
Account Features
Registered users enjoy enhanced festival experiences. Account holders can save favorite BBQ vendors, receive personalized recommendations, and access exclusive content. Two-factor authentication is available for added security. Users can easily update their profile information and communication preferences. The festival employs encryption to safeguard account data and payment details.