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Every once in a while, an event comes along that perfectly captures the soul of Texas — its proud culinary traditions, its love for heartfelt music, and its unmistakable sense of community. The Troubadour Festival is one such event.
More than just a weekend of smoked meats and steel guitars, this annual festival has grown into a cultural celebration that honors two of Texas’s most cherished traditions: world-class barbecue and live country music.
On May 17, 2025, the festival returns to Aggie Park on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest and boldest edition yet.
🎤 The Story Behind the Festival
The Troubadour Festival began with a simple but powerful idea: bring together the best barbecue pitmasters in Texas and the most talented country musicians for a one-of-a-kind, deeply Texan experience.
First launched in 2021 in Celina, Texas, the festival was an instant hit. Its unique combination of BBQ and music helped it stand out from other events across the state. Over the years, it has evolved into a can’t-miss annual celebration, eventually finding its home in College Station — a fitting location with deep Texas roots and a lively cultural scene.
Today, the festival is recognized as one of the premier BBQ and music festivals in Texas, right alongside legendary events like the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest and Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival.
🍖 The Barbecue: Pitmaster Heaven
Texas BBQ isn’t just food — it’s a sacred ritual. And at Troubadour, the barbecue lineup is next-level.
In 2025, the festival features 25+ acclaimed BBQ joints from across the state, including more than a dozen from the Texas Monthly Top 50 list. These aren’t just restaurants — they’re temples of smoke and flavor run by the best pitmasters in the game.
Past and returning favorites include:
Snow’s BBQ (Lexington)
Goldee’s Barbecue (Fort Worth)
Terry Black’s (Austin & Dallas)
Truth BBQ (Brenham & Houston)
Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth)
Festivalgoers with a BBQ + Music ticket get unlimited samples from each of the vendors — making this one of the best ways to experience a wide array of Texas BBQ styles in a single afternoon.
🎶 The Music: Red Dirt, Roots, and Rock
As the smoke clears and the sun begins to dip, the festival shifts from smoky goodness to full-on musical bliss. Troubadour’s stage has played host to some of the biggest and most exciting names in Texas country, Red Dirt, and Americana.
🎸 The 2025 Lineup Includes:
Shane Smith & The Saints – Epic soundscapes and rootsy energy
Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen – Touring together for their "Hold My Beer & Watch This" tour
49 Winchester – Appalachian soul meets country-rock
Josh Meloy – Raw, heartfelt country from Oklahoma
Hudson Westbrook, Tyler Halverson, Jacob Stelly, and JoJo DiSalvo – Emerging artists with powerful stories and distinct sounds
Whether you’re two-stepping in front of the stage or relaxing under the stars, the music at Troubadour is guaranteed to stir your soul.
🎟 Ticket Options for Every Fan
Troubadour Festival offers several ticket tiers to suit different preferences and budgets:
✅ Troubadour VIP – $225
Early entry (12:00 PM)
Unlimited BBQ
Live cooking demos
VIP-only T-shirt
2 drink vouchers
Shaded VIP grove with seating
Air-conditioned restrooms
Premium stage viewing area
✅ BBQ + Music – $125
Entry at 1:00 PM
Unlimited BBQ
Full concert access (excluding JoJo DiSalvo’s VIP-only set)
✅ Music VIP – $160
Entry at 3:45 PM
Premium viewing & VIP perks (no BBQ access)
✅ General Admission (Music Only) – $60
Entry at 3:45 PM
Access to all musical performances
🎉 Kickoff Party in Downtown Bryan – FREE!
Start the weekend off right on Friday, May 16, with a free pre-party at The Palace Theater in Downtown Bryan. This community celebration features:
The Wilder Blue
The Droptines
Jerry Almaraz
This lively night of music is the perfect way to warm up for Saturday’s all-day BBQ and concert experience.
🧠Explore Bryan-College Station
While you're in town, take some time to explore the Bryan-College Station area. From historic districts and charming boutiques to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, there’s plenty to see and do beyond the festival grounds.
Make it a full weekend getaway with:
Great local eats
Antique shops and breweries
Beautiful parks and cultural spots
🏆 Why Troubadour Festival is Truly Special
What makes the Troubadour Festival stand out? Here’s why fans return year after year:
Handpicked BBQ Legends – Only the best of the best are invited
Top-Tier Music Acts – A mix of headliners and rising stars
Laid-Back Vibe – It’s big, but it feels personal
Deep Texas Roots – Every bite, note, and handshake says “home”
📅 Final Word: Don’t Miss This!
The 2025 Troubadour Festival is shaping up to be the biggest celebration yet of everything that makes Texas great: smoky brisket, outlaw country, and good people gathered under the open sky.
Mark your calendar for May 17, 2025, and be sure to grab your tickets early — this festival will sell out.
👉 Learn more and get tickets at troubadourfestival.com
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