The Houston Barbecue Festival is back for its 13th year, celebrating the rich flavors and diversity that make Houston one of the countryās top barbecue cities.
Founded in 2013 by Michael Fulmer and J.C. Reid, the festival was created to spotlight the talent and hard work of local, often family-owned barbecue joints. Over the years, it has grown into a must-attend event for food lovers, bringing together some of the best pitmasters in Texas. Itās also a chance for new and rising barbecue stars to share their craft with both locals and visitors from around the world.
This yearās festival features more than 25 barbecue joints from across the Houston area, like Blood Bros BBQ, Truth Barbeque, Pinkertonās Barbecue, The Pit Room, and more. This star-studded lineup of pitmasters offers a wide range of styles and flavors all in one place. From longtime favorites to up-and-coming names, attendees can expect a true taste of Houstonās ever-evolving barbecue scene.
When and where
- Sunday, April 12, 2026
- 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Humble Civic Center
- Admission ticket includes unlimited sample portions from participating barbecue vendors
- Extras available for purchase: Drinks, desserts, and merchandise
- Pre-purchased online only; no sales at the gate
- Get your ticket at houbbq.com
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the pitmasters behind the food and experience firsthand the creativity and passion that define Houston barbecue. Whether youāre a longtime fan or new to the scene, the festival offers a rare chance to sample a wide variety of flavors in a single afternoon.
Watch the complete interview and see how to prepare a brisket with a pro pitmaster in the video above.