Smoke & Saddles Rodeo & BBQ Festival
June 5-8
Saddle up for Mesquite’s largest rodeo & BBQ celebration!!
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind event as the Smoke & Saddles Festival takes over Mesquite from June 5-8, 2025! This multi-day festival celebrates the opening weekend of the Mesquite Championship Rodeo and will bring a mouthwatering BBQ cookoff, an artisan market, and thrilling rodeo action. This event showcases the best of Texas culture and entertainment.
Don’t miss the rodeo’s opening night on Saturday, June 7, featuring country music star Kody West and the highly anticipated Smoke & Saddles BBQ Cookoff. Whether you’re a rodeo fan, a foodie, or just looking for a great time, there’s something for everyone at Smoke & Saddles.
Highlights Include:
Smoke & Saddles
June 7th Schedule
9 AM – 10 PM | SADDLE UP MARKET (Convention Center)
11 AM – 11 PM | CARNIVAL RIDES & MIDWAY
11 AM – 4 PM | ARMADILLO RACES (Every Hour)
11 AM – 7 PM | OUTDOOR VENDOR VILLAGE
2 – 6 PM | BBQ COOK-OFF TASTING
2 – 7 PM | PHOTOS WITH LONGHORNS
6 – 10 PM | MESQUITE CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO (Rodeo Ticket Required)
10 – 11 PM | KODY WEST PERFORMANCE (Rodeo Ticket Required)
Thursday, June 5 – Sunday, June 8
Amusements Midway brought to you by Triple T Amusements! Enjoy thrilling rides, games, and classic carnival treats that are fun for the whole family. The midway is open Thursday through Sunday, June 8.
- Thursday & Friday carnival opens at 5 pm
- Saturday carnival opens at 11 am
- Sunday carnival opens at 3 pm (CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER)
SUNDAY JUNE 8TH IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Friday, June 6 – kids BBq Contest
Kids ‘Que Contest: The Kids ‘Que Contest is a great opportunity for children to showcase their grilling and barbecue skills. The contest will take place on Friday, June 6, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, and is open to boys and girls in two age divisions: Junior (ages 5–10) and Senior (ages 11–17).
The contest will be held at the Mesquite Arena, in the area adjacent to the Rodeo City Provisions restaurant. Participants who register in advance will receive one (1) general admission parking pass for Friday, June 6.
Prizes
Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st through 3rd places in each of the age groups.
- 1st place: $100
- 2nd place: $50
- 3rd place: $25
Registration Information:
The entry fee is $25.00 per cook, to be paid at event check-in.
Space is limited to the first 30 participants—15 in each age group—so early registration is encouraged. Kids ‘Que Rules: CLICK HERE
Schedule:
- 5:30 PM Kids ‘Que Check In
- 5:45 PM Kids ‘Que Meeting
- 6:00 PM Grills Lit/Cooking Can Start
- 6:45 PM Turn In (Judging will follow submission of all entries)
- 7:45 PM Awards Presented on stage at Rodeo City Provisions
Saturday, June 7 – Rodeo & BBQ Cookoff!
Smoke & Saddles BBQ Cookoff: Watch talented pitmasters compete in a sizzling showdown. Sample award-worthy brisket, ribs, and more while enjoying live music and the electric atmosphere of this BBQ extravaganza. Are you interested in competing in the Smoke & Saddles BBQ Cookoff? Email info@visitmesquitetx.com or sign up here!
Saddle Up Boutique & Artisan Market: Explore unique, handmade goods and creations from Texas’ best artisans and local businesses at the Mesquite Convention Center. This one-day-only market is open to the public on Saturday. Want to become a Boutique & Artisan Vendor, sign up here!
Mesquite Championship Rodeo: The festival’s main event begins Saturday night at the Mesquite Arena. Experience thrilling rodeo action, followed by an unforgettable performance by Kody West.
The Rodeo Road Rally: is back on June 7, 2025, with 4 distances to choose from. The Annual Road Rally event is the Rotary Club of Mesquite’s flagship fundraiser program. The club can give back to the community through scholarships for local high school students and donations to local charities and the Mesquite ISD Education Foundation.
Parking information
OFF-SITE PARKING & BUS SHUTTLE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 7
- Onsite parking available for $20
- Memorial Stadium Free Parking
- ONLY AVAILABLE ON SATURDAY 6/7, after 1 PM – 12 AM
- Off site parking is available at Memorial Stadium with a free shuttle every 15 minutes
- The free shuttle bus will run till 12 AM.
Route and Stops: Memorial Stadium Home Parking Lot, Planetarium, Visitor Parking Lot, Rodeo Drive.
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