There’s plenty we miss about living in the great state of Texas: endless supplies of tacos of every description, free chips and salsa the moment you sit down in any restaurant, ranch culture (where waitresses readily bring you homemade ranch dressing at the drop of a hat) easy access to Lone Pint Yellow Rose, and perhaps most importantly: barbecue shootouts.

Beginning in the 80s, we canvassed the Lone Star state to plumb her of one of her most precious resources: smoked meat competitions. There is nothing on earth more enjoyable than hanging out with a pack of wiry pit bosses and talking all day long about smoked meat variables.

And of course drinking respectable amounts of Lone Star beer while doing so.

We just got word that the Houston Barbecue Festival is returning for the 5th year to NRG Park (home of the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.) Dozens of the best pit bosses in the Great State will be on hand serving tons (yes, tons) of pit smoked meats. If you’re a barbecue lover get your tickets early as the event always sells out.

Hope to see y’all there.

Sunday, April 9th, 2017

1:00-4:00pm.

Cost: $60 (all the meat you can eat)

VIP Admission ($120) which allows you entry one hour before they let the rabble in as well as all the meat you can eat plus a T-shirt and one (1) drink ticket

Tickets

Pre-sale’s a little cheaper so get on it.

Is anybody still on Twitter? I am.