Barbacoa & Big Red Festival

Expensive parking, expensive admission that doesnt include anything but the live music. Food vendors were a little higher than expected. Vendors were not allowed to sell water, so you had to wait in the long beer line to get Big Red or water. Trash cans were hard to find. Selection of food items was good, even Chinese and Filipino items. Some items were large portions for the price, while others were small. 5 mini tacos for $10 isnt bad, $11 for 10 donut holes was a bit high. Single Barbacoa tacos ranged from $6.50 to $9. We had one taco that smelled & tasted rotten and was thrown away. Was semi crowded, and some booths had longer waits. One big problem was overloaded cellular, most vendors were using cashapp, clover or some online system, and the readers would fail, or sit spinning. Twice I had to wait while they troubleshooted the readers, and then asked if I had cash. We were also aproached by vendors trying to get forms filled out and to enter drawings. Not sure Id attend again. Between the cost and the inconveniences I didnt find myself overly enjoying it.

There was a lot of media hype about the problems at this event this year. Although I didn’t experience the long entrance lines, I did have a few issues. I got there later in the day (4pm to be exact). You’re on your own for parking and the majority is street parking. I don’t mind walking at all, but for those of you who do, please keep in mind you might have to park one to two miles away. There were three live music stages scattered around the park and probably 50-60 food trucks (with PLENTY of food options, not just barbacoa). Here’s my beef: there were only three drink tents scattered about. These are the tents with white tops. You have to stand in a different line to buy drink tickets for water, ice, beer, or Big Red (cash only for the drink tickets) and then get in line for drinks. Here’s the rub: during the hottest part of the day (4p-6p) all three tents were out of water! I kept walking between all three tents to see if they had any yet and they finally got some around 6pm. This was totally unacceptable due to the temperatures and hanging out in the blistering sun. Most of the food trucks took credit cards and a few of them only took cash - but that beats the hell out of standing in line to buy drink tickets, and then standing in line again to get your drinks - I HATE that with a passion! Beer selection: at the three drink tents mentioned above, they only offered water (when they had it), Big Red, Sol, Sol Chelada, Coors Light, Miller Light, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. I don’t expect a plethora of craft beer at these events, but the selection could have been a bit better. Beer was $6 for a 16 ounce aluminum can or aluminum bottle. Lawn chairs and sunscreen were allowed, but no outside water or anything else is allowed in. If it weren’t for the bands (and the headliner Kevin Fowler) I would have given them one star. But the talented musicians on all three stages rounded it up to two stars for me. The headliner goes on at 7:30pm and wraps up pretty close to 9pm. I recommend showing up around 6pm when there’s a bit more shade and temps are cooler. The water situation is TOTALLY inexcusable - this was held on a blistering hot day and I can’t believe they didn’t plan better for this. Brent is skipping this one next year...

Place was rocking it was fun a lot food, parking was free , we waited for a golf cart to pickup and drop off is was cooler weather that morning:), see you next year. Free food from heb samples

Disorganized! Parking horrible.I don't recommend vip pass. Just a carport with very few tables. We went early, and the tables they had were taken or reserved. Some people didn't have anything with them they were holding tables. Also, some soda booths drinks were not cold. Waste of our money and time. Will not go back or recommend it to anyone. For an event with this much hype should be more centered around big red and babacoa! Also, event committee members should consider relocating to a docent venue. Not the backyard of a bar.

For a family friendly event they should at least have baby changing stations. And I'd also recommend wrist bands so you can return if you need to leave. Other than that we enjoyed our first time there.