Top Fort Worth pitmasters to join lineup at 2023 Texas Monthly BBQ Fest

WHERE THERE'S SMOKE

Full lineup from Brix Barbecue

For Texas barbecue fans, chasing down the best can be daunting. There are gas costs, waiting in line, and lodging. Rural towns may produce exceptional brisket, but few are well-known for luxurious hotels.

A better way to sample the BBQ scene is the second annual Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, the meatopia hosted by Texas Monthly magazine, slated to blaze into Lockhart, Texas, on November 4-5.

The 2023 lineup includes some of the most celebrated pitmasters in the state, and that includes nine of the top barbecue spots in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Drawing from barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn's "Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas" list as well as the recent "New and Improved" update, the invitees reflect Texas' deep culinary traditions and growing diversity.

The shindig kicks off on November 4 with the BBQ World's Fair, a free street fair featuring live music, artisan vendors, cooking demos, and an array of vendors from Texas Monthly's barbecue lists and Taco Trail. Those wanting a more VIP experience can purchase an "Around the World" punch card entitling guests to exclusive bites from featured barbecue joints.

The honor roll includes the following, with more to be announced soon:

The weekend continues on November 5 with the giant Top 50 Picnic, a celebration of the finest craft makers in the state. The stellar lineup adds:

Although VIP tickets and weekend bundles have already been gobbled up, a few general admission tickets and punch cards remain for the weekend events. Snag them at texasmonthly.com.