What to wear
College Station in May doesn’t mess around—expect the kind of heat that makes you thankful for iced drinks and breathable fabrics. Dress light but don’t sacrifice style. Think cowboy-casual: a graphic tee or flowy top paired with denim shorts, cutoff jeans or a cotton sundress if you’re going the southern belle route. You’ll want shoes that can keep up—think boots or sneakers, not beachwear. A wide-brimmed hat, shades that actually block the sun and a splash of SPF will go a long way in keeping you cool and collected. And while it doesn’t rain often, slip a foldable rain poncho into your bag just in case the skies turn moody. Just remember: umbrellas aren’t allowed so plan for hands-free rain protection if clouds do roll in.
What to bring
Pack with intention. You’ll want a small crossbody bag or clear stadium-approved tote to carry your essentials—think phone, wallet, portable charger, lip balm, sunscreen and hand sanitizer (because sauce-covered fingers happen). A lightweight blanket or foldable chair can be a game-changer for those breaks between sets, though chairs aren’t allowed near the front of the stage so plan accordingly. Leave the outside snacks, coolers and wagons at home—they’re on the festival’s no-go list. For families, strollers are fair game but keep it compact. And if you’re sensitive to sound, toss in some earplugs; the bass will be thumping all day long. For a longer list of prohibited items, click here!
Where to stay
Stay close to the action and keep things convenient by booking a hotel near campus. Cavalry Court offers a boutique vibe with retro charm, poolside lounging and often live music that’ll have you dancing before you even hit the festival grounds. If sleek and modern is more your style, The Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center gives you polished comfort and unbeatable proximity to Aggie Park. And of course, the Hilton College Station is a reliable go-to—spacious, comfortable and just a quick drive or rideshare away from the festival. Book early though—these spots tend to fill fast once Troubadour weekend rolls around.
The BBQ Breakdown
This isn’t your average brisket situation—Troubadour brings the crème de la crème of Texas barbecue under one smoky sky. With over 25 acclaimed pitmasters throwing down everything from prime brisket and sausage to creative burnt-end twists and next-level sides, it’s a full-on flavor rodeo. Crowd favorites like InterStellar BBQ (yes, the one with a Michelin Star), Blood Bros. from Houston and the chocolate-meets-brisket legends of Tejas BBQ will be handing out samples until 3:30 pm. After that, you’ll find food trucks and vendor tents still firing up plates for purchase—so no one goes hungry once the music heats up. For the full list of barbecue joints coming, click here!
And don’t miss Matt Pittman of Meat Church along with four top Texas pitmasters for the debut of the Live Fire Experience, presented by 44 Farmst—expect crackling wood, sizzling cast iron and pitmasters turning barbecue into performance art. It’s not just food—it’s a front-row seat to Texas culinary craft at its finest.
