It’s almost that time of year again for Tyler’s own Red Dirt BBQ Festival. May 4th , 2019 {May the 4th be with YOU!!} will be the day that celebrates what Texans love most: BBQ and Texas Red Dirt Music. With musicians like Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Stoney LaRue, American Aquarium, and The Moonpies, it’s no surprise that the event sold out quickly; and has sold out every year for 6 years. I will be there this year, and have attended this event multiple times, and I had a great time being able to hang out with old friends, meet some new friends, and listen to fabulous music!

If you did not get a chance to purchase tickets, pay attention to social media, as I know some local companies in town are doing giveaways.

RealEdge Real Estate is doing a Red Dirt Contest.

If you are not a fan of Texas country music or BBQ, here are some other events that are happening in East Texas on May 4th, 2019!

Some QUESTIONS You May Have:

  • What time does the event start? VIP entry is at 12:00 PM. General admission entry is at 1:00 PM Gates open for the concert at 3:45 PM.
  • What bands are going to be there? Click Here For List of Previous Bands at Red Dirt
  • What BBQ restaurants will be there? Click Here for List of BBQ Restaurants at Red Dirt
  • Can I come and go from the event? Yes! You will get a wristband when you enter, and as long as you don’t lose the wristband, you should be good to go!
  • What do I need to bring money for? Vendor booths, nonalcoholic beverages, drink tickets for alcoholic beverages, merchandise, and food truck cuisine. ATMs will be on side if you need cash. Vendors may or may not accept debit and credit cards.
  • Where should I park? I recommend parking in the Fair Plaza Parking garage on the corner of Broadway and Elm. But honestly, I highly recommend carpooling or either having a taxi, uber, or lyft driver drive you. 
  • Can I bring lawn chairs? Yes, however, there will be a lot of people standing, and also you are going to have to keep up with it.
  • What can I NOT bring? Outside food or drinks, weapons, drugs, coolers, and non-ticket holders.
  • If I have any more questions, where do I go? Click Here for Contact Page for Red Dirt BBQ Festival

I Would DEFINITELY Bring These Items

  • Comfortable closed toed shoes! A lot of people will be wearing cowboy boots. This is so you can celebrate all night, and not have to worry about someone stepping on your feet. Do you need to break in your shoes???
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Tissues
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Band-Aids

Some WISE WORDS From Kelly:

Put your cellphone away! Stop living behind the screen, and live in the moment. How often are you going to look at those selfies, pictures of the band, and pictures of the event… probably like twice. But you know what you won’t forget: signing your heart out to your favorite song, dancing with your old/new friends, and having a great time! Sure, it’s important to have your phone, but social media will be waiting for you the next day when you are on your couch relaxing.

Go easy the night before! Sure, the day before Red Dirt is a Friday, and I am sure it has been a long week. I suggest that you relax at home that evening so that you will wake up refreshed and ready to celebrate country music East Texas style.

Eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of water beforehand! I completely understand that there is going to be some of the best BBQ in the nation on The Square in Tyler. However, VIP starts at 12:00 PM. I would not leave your home on an empty stomach dehydrated.

Better to be early than to be late! This is definitely something you need to think about in terms of parking and the amount of food. 

If you are choosing to drink alcohol at Red Dirt, please pace yourself, and drink responsibly.


Again, this East Texas event will be here before you know it. So take some time, get prepared, plan with your buddies, and get ready for a great time!


Kelly Raulston

“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic. I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016. I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017. When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
972-989-0057 Contact Kelly