The perfect pair
San Antonio's Barbacoa and Big Red Festival serves another year of family fun

It doesn’t get much more San Antonio than this. On May 20, spring’s sweetest food festival returns to the R&J Music Pavilion at 18086 Pleasanton Rd. with a menu devoted to the city’s favorite combo meal.
Now in its eighth year, the Barbacoa and Big Red Festival invites San Antonians to snack and sample as local restaurants compete for barbacoa bragging rights. (Last year, Tacos el Coahuilense was crowned the king of cheek meat.)
The perennially popular soft drink will also be available in many different forms. This year, Krispy Kreme is making a doughnut made from Big Red, among other creative takes. For the adults, there will also be tons of beer.
In addition to all the tacos and treats, the family-friendly event will feature activities like rides and face painting. And both live music and DJs will provide the tunes for a giant dance party.
This year’s headliner will be nerdy new wavers The Spazmatics along with Mario Flores, Black Thunder, Zero Gravity, and Selestial Alcoser. DJs Quake, Quick, Cheve, Chuy, Joker, and Tone are also set to appear.
With more than 10,000 visitors expected, the festival is one of the largest in the city. It’s also one of the most affordable parties in Alamo City. Act now if you want the presale price of $5 ($10 for VIP), but don’t worry if you sleep on it. The cost only goes up to $10 and $15, respectively, if you buy at the door. Kids under 12 are free.
The event runs 10 am-8 pm rain or shine, but arrive on the early side to make sure you have time to sample from all of the vendors. And don't forget to buy a souvenir T-shirt. You'll want to rock it all year.