Your experiences with Q BBQ Fest organization, please

[Clark]

I received an email about the Q BBQ Fest in Dallas to be held at AT&T Stadium on Oct. 7 & 8. I am not familiar with the Q BBQ Fest organization but apparently they have held these recently in Kansas City, Jacksonville, and other cities. The one in Dallas is sponsored by Matt Pittman and Meat Church BBQ.

Since my wife and I will be in Dallas that weekend, I am curious if it would be worthwhile.

According to their website these are not contests, but merely exhibits with 5-6 local BBQ joints and 5-6 out of town "name" pitmasters cooking and giving samples. The cheapest ticket is $69 per person which is good for one 3 hour event. They have 2 of the 3 hour events daily. That is with samples, and other booths and exhibitors, plus local musical entertainment. You can also spend about twice that amount for a VIP ticket but I'm not sure what that provides you. The email specifies that your ticket also includes free parking.

The $69 ticket seems high to just roam around and visit booths and get samples. If you have been to one of their Fests I would appreciate your thoughts on whether it is worth attending. Thanks in advance.

[Spinaker]

I have never been to this particular one. However, I used to go to Ribfest in MN and that was always a great time and well worth the money.

$69 is reasonable if there are enough samples to feed you full. As you know, BBQ is not cheap, so if you get a full belly out of it, it would be worth it. Plus, it is fun to talk shop and see all the BBQ stuff.

Ribfest was a blast and well worth the money. When I was a kid, I would go down to the Pork Expo in Iowa. Now that was a great time. No idea what the ticket price was as my Dad would take me. He was going for work, but he would let me tag along. I can still remember all those samples being handed out. Man was that fun and tasty!

[LA Pork Butt]

If you are in Dallas on October 21 come to the Eggfest and for $5 sample from 11am-3pm.