Lone Star Smokeout has announced its full lineup of pitmasters for the 2026 festival, which will take place from April 24 to 26 outside AT&T Stadium. The event, now in its second year, will feature barbecue from Texas and across the United States, live music, and elements of Texas culture.
The roster includes 15 pitmasters, among them James Beard Award nominees, Texas Monthly Top 50 selections, and Michelin-recommended smokehouses. These participants represent both established names and emerging talent in American barbecue.
This year’s pitmaster lineup features teams such as 2M Smokehouse BBQ from San Antonio; Bub City from Chicago; Curry Boys BBQ from San Antonio; Dayne’s Craft Barbecue from Aledo; Hurtado Barbecue from Arlington; Little Miss BBQ from Phoenix; Meat Mitch Barbecue from Leawood; Panther City BBQ from Fort Worth; Pappy’s Smokehouse from St. Louis; Rossler’s BLUE CORD Barbecue from Harker Heights; Salt Lick BBQ from Driftwood; Slow Bone BBQ from Dallas; Teddy’s Barbecue from Weslaco; Wright’s Barbecue from Johnson, Arkansas; and The Original Roy Hutchins Barbeque in Trophy Club. Access to The Original Roy Hutchins Barbeque is reserved for Platinum ticket holders.
Premium Live Fire Experiences will be available exclusively to Platinum ticket holders. These daily showcases in designated areas will feature guest chefs preparing barbecue over open flames. Confirmed participants include M&M BBQ Company, Kevin Bludso, Rasheed Phillips, LaVaca BBQ, and GW’s BBQ Catering Co.
Chris Meers, Executive Partner and Divisional President of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, said: “Texas is the heart of great barbecue, and the pitmaster lineup this year reflects the depth and craft of this culture. From legacy names that helped define regional barbecue scenes nationwide to bold new approaches, these pitmasters represent the very best of the barbecue world. We are honored to bring them together at Lone Star Smokeout for an unforgettable weekend.”
Highlights among general admission options include San Antonio’s 2M Smokehouse BBQ led by two-time James Beard nominee Esaul Ramos; Curry Boys BBQ with its Thai curry–influenced style; Hurtado Barbecue—a Texas Monthly Top 50 pick and official partner of the Texas Rangers—and Panther City BBQ recently recognized by Michelin.
Nationally known destinations such as Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix), Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis), and Meat Mitch Barbecue (Kansas City) are also part of the festival.
Texas institutions Salt Lick BBQ, Slow Bone BBQ, and The Original Roy Hutchins Barbeque will be present as well.
Tickets are on sale now with prices before tax set at $121 for three-day general admission passes, $802 for VIP access, $1,102 for Platinum passes granting additional culinary experiences including exclusive access to certain pitmasters and premium events like Sunday brunches presented by OpenTable. Single-day tickets cost $55 per day.
More information about ticket packages can be found at www.lonestarsmokeout.com/tickets. Corporate hospitality options are detailed at www.lonestarsmokeout.com/group-hospitality. Updates are available on Instagram at @LoneStarSmokeout or through their website at www.lonestarsmokeout.com.
