BEDFORD BLUES & BBQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where’s the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival located?
We are only a few minutes west of DFW airport and are conveniently located right off of hwy 183 and 121. The actual address is, 1951 L Don Dodson Bedford, TX 76021
What bands are playing and what time?
You can find the entire lineup at http://www.bedfordbluesfest.com/events/blues/
Can I uber, lyft or rideshare to or from the event?Yes - the shuttle/rideshare stop is located at the
East Gate – Located at the corner of L Don Dodson and Parkwood
What are the festival hours?
Gates will be open on Friday, August 30 - 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, August 31 - 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday September 1 – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Can we purchase tickets in advance, and how much are they?
We have several ticket options for sale online. General admission is $15 ($15 at the gate with cash only) and a weekend pass is $15 (online). For other ticket and upgrade options please visit http://www.bedfordbluesfest.com/p/about/272
What is the difference in Party Tent Seating and Reserved Seating?
Party Tent Seating-Party tent seating is for the elite Bluesfest party-goer. It offers wonderful views of the stage under a shaded tent with a party atmosphere. Seats can be purchased individually or by the table. Your party tent reservation entitles you to a seat at a patio-style table with chairs and cash bar. Online purchase only.
Reserved Seating-Reserved Seating has two options. Regular reserved seating is all of the rows except the 1st 5 rows. Reserved Preferred is the 1st 5 Rows.
Are tickets available at the gate?
Yes. General admission tickets are available at the gates. Cash Preferred.
Are refunds given?
No, there are absolutely no refunds. Admission tickets are valid for their day of purchase only.
All musical acts, times and stage locations are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
What is there to do besides listening to the bands?
Tasting Events – We have 3 paid tasting events; Sausage Showdown, People’s Choice and the Battle of the BBQ
Bluesmobile - The Bluesmobile is considered one of the top 10 most famous iconic cars in Film History. Come gather around DFW’s own replica Bluesmobile and become a part of history. (Sunday 2 p.m.-7 p.m.)
Food vendors - Try a variety of festival food including funnel cakes and corn dogs and everything in between. Don’t miss the BBQ vendors vending specialty
Art Vendors - Check out a fun variety of eclectic artsy merchandise for sale open until 8 p.m. each evening.
Can you explain the different BBQ Events?
Sanctioned BBQ cook-off- 70 + teams from across the country compete for over $20,000 in 3 sanctioned events including; Kansas City BBQ (KCBS), Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) and International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA). The teams cook their meat on site and are judged either Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning before the festivities begin. Want a taste? Join us for the People’s Choice Competition.
People’s Choice - Saturday (4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) - Purchase tickets and sample the competition BBQ and vote for your favorite. 10+ tastes for $20 and 2 votes!
Battle of the BBQ - Local BBQ vendors cook up unique tastes for everyone to purchase. Join us Sunday (3 p.m.-5 p.m.) as the professionals’ battle it out to be the winner of the Battle of the BBQ. Purchase tickets and vote for your favorite. 10 tastes for $15 and 2 votes!
Sausage Showdown-Select BBQ teams will grill up different kinds of sausage and serve bite size samples to festival patrons with tickets. 5 tickets and 1 voting chip will be available while supplies last. Join us Friday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the BBQ area.
What are the festival rules?
All bags will be searched prior to entering the festival grounds. In the interest of public safety, please help us out by not bringing coolers, food, drinks, pets, contraband, explosives, weapons (except legally permitted firearms), skateboards, roller-blades, scooters, drones, laser pointers, frisbees or professional camera equipment (any camera with a detachable lens). Each patron can bring in one factory sealed water bottle up to 1 liter. Snacks and drinks for toddlers will be allowed but subject to search.
And our entertainment contracts disallow the following:
- Video and audio recording equipment/devices within the designated concert zones.
- Unauthorized sales, solicitations, and distributions are prohibited.
- The backstage area is off-limits to the public.
- Persons entering the site may be subject to search for any prohibited items.
- The facility reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person violating the facility, local, state or federal laws or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly, or offensive by management.
Is the event pet friendly?We ♥ Pets, but unfortunately Bedford Blues & BBQ is NOT a pet friendly event. Please love your furry friends at home.
Is this a rain or shine event?
The Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival is an all-weather event. We want everyone to have a good time and guest safety is our number one priority. In the event of severe weather we’ll announce schedule changes on our website and on our Facebook page. We invite everyone to come on out and enjoy the cooler than average temperatures this weekend while sampling world-class BBQ and the best blues music in Texas!
Where is handicap parking?
Handicap parking is located onsite at 1900 L Don Dodson. This is a paid parking area. Parking passes can be purchased onsite at the event or in advance online.
Where do I get a festival site map?
You can see our Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival maps at http://www.bedfordbluesfest.com/p/getconnected/event-map
Where do we park?
There are plenty of parking spaces available in the immediate site and surrounding areas. Parking will be $20 onsite ($10 if purchased ahead of time) or $10 at the City of Bedford Library and the Old Bedford School. Free parking is also available nearby, please check our map for parking partners.
Where are the four main gates?
North Gate – Accessible via Bedford Rd on E.M. Bilger
East Gate – Located at the corner of L Don Dodson and Parkwood
South Gate – Accessible via Parkwood and Texas Harley Way at 1900 L Don Dodson
West Gate – Accessible via the corner of Forest Ridge and L Don Dodson
Are there ATMs on site?
Yes, four. They are identified as "ATM" on the site map
What streets are blocked off and starting when?
L Don Dodson is closed from 9 a.m. Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2 at 12 p.m. EM Bilger will be closed beginning 8 a.m. Wednesday, August 28 to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 2.
What should we wear?
This is an outdoor event in Texas during Labor Day weekend. Weather changes rapidly, so be prepared and plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat during the day, don’t forget the sunscreen, and be sure to wear a watch so you don’t miss any of the cool bands or tasting events!
If a parent loses a child, where should they go?
The Lost and Found Children's area is located near the first aid booth and is a good place for your family to plan to meet up if anyone becomes separated. The booth is located near the west gate and is marked by a first aid symbol on the map.
This same site also serves as the Festival’s Lost and Found location. Lost and Found items are kept here until the festival gates close on Sunday night. After the festival ends, please call 817-952-2303 to inquire about Lost and Found items.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Are lawn chairs/blankets allowed?
Yes, but please be respectful of others. Chairs should be low to the ground and have backs at shoulder height. Keep in mind that unless otherwise noted, this is “festival viewing” with no reserved seating and patrons may be standing in front of you during a performance. We want everyone to enjoy the concerts and have a great time. Be respectful of people around you and please share your space, get to know your neighbors, and make room for others. Reserved seating is available for purchase. Please leave tents at home.
Is smoking allowed at the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival?
Smoking is prohibited in tented seating areas. Please be respectful of other guests.
Once I’ve entered the festival site, can I leave and return the same day?
Yes, but you will need to have your hand stamped when you exit. This stamp will allow you re-entry only for that particular day.
Who produces the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival!?
The City of Bedford, Texas.
How can I participate in the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival!?
For more information on how to get involved email cob.events@bedfordtx.gov or to volunteer use www.bedfordbluesfest.com/volunteer.
Is there overnight camping within the City of Bedford?
Unfortunately not, but we do have an area within our BBQ town for campers:
The cost is $250
Spaces are 40 X 20 (Camper, RV, handicap, etc.) All vehicles and/or equipment must fit inside this space. Cars will not be allowed to drive in and out due to space and pedestrian issues. There is a parking lot located nearby for vehicles that need to get out. For more info visit http://www.bedfordbluesfest.com/p/about/272
Is there designated parking for motorcycles at the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival?
Free motorcycle parking will be provided by Texas Harley Davidson, 1 Texas Harley Way, Bedford, TX 76021.
How do I pay within the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival, cash or coupons?
All vendors accept cash, no coupons are needed at the Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival! Besides, where would you RATHER be, in front of a stage or in line to buy coupons?