Good questions deserve clear answers.

Pine Tree Smoke & Soul Fest will take place Saturday, October 23, 2027, at Maude Cobb Convention Center Fairgrounds in Longview, Texas. Public hours, entrances, parking, and arrival details will be announced on this website as planning is finalized.

Official ticket sales begin Sunday, July 4, 2027, at 10:00 AM Central Time. Before the launch, ticket buttons lead to official ticket information and the Festival Updates signup. At launch time, they automatically become active Buy Tickets links to TicketStripe.

The festival is being designed as a welcoming community event. Youth admission, supervision expectations, and any age-specific policies will be posted with ticket details.

Review the Vendors page, then complete the official Google Form application. Your response is securely recorded for festival review; submission does not guarantee acceptance or reserve festival space.

Review the Pitmasters page, then complete the official Google Form application. Official categories, rules, judging, awards, and site logistics will be provided to selected teams.

The Official BBQ Competition Rules page lists categories, cooking standards, meat inspection, turn-ins, judging, scoring, awards, safety, conduct, and site requirements. The final team packet will confirm event-day timing and operational details.

No. Vendor and pitmaster applications are free. Approved vendor participation fees begin at $100. Food trucks and trailers pay no founding-year participation fee and instead provide a refundable $150 attendance deposit.

Approved applicants have five business days to complete the stated fee or deposit requirement. A space is not reserved until payment is received. Credit-card processing fees may be added at checkout.

The first 20 approved vendors across all vendor categories will receive a sponsorship-funded discount after the festival retains its Title Sponsor. The amount will be announced after the sponsorship agreement is executed and funded. Early approval establishes eligibility, but does not establish or guarantee a particular discount amount.

Approved booth vendors provide a $100 attendance deposit; approved food trucks and trailers provide $150. The deposit is returned within 10 business days after the festival when the vendor checks in on time, remains open during required hours, satisfies permit and safety requirements, and leaves the assigned area clean. It may be forfeited for a no-show, unapproved early departure, missing required permits, material rule violation, or failure to clean the assigned area.

The limited $250 Founding Team rate includes one team space and all three championship meats: Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Chicken. Teams do not pay separately for each championship category. The regular team rate is $325, optional specialty categories are $25 each, and approved People’s Choice participation has no additional entry fee.

Follow the official Pine Tree Smoke & Soul Fest Facebook page for announcements, application updates, and behind-the-scenes progress. Founding 1,000 claims are now open; visit the Founding 1,000 page to access the official claim form and review the perks, qualification requirements, verification process, redemption instructions, and official terms.

Use the signup button on the Ticket Information page. Choose the information you want to receive, including tickets, volunteering, sponsorships, vendors, pitmasters, or entertainment. Mobile number is optional, consent is required, and you may unsubscribe at any time.

Organizer cancellation receives a full refund. Withdrawal more than 30 days before the festival receives a 50% refund. Withdrawals within 30 days, no-shows, removal for rule violations, or failure to obtain required permits are nonrefundable. The festival operates rain or shine unless officially canceled.

Sponsor recognition can include promotional visibility, on-site presence, hospitality, and community-impact alignment. Final benefits depend on the confirmed partnership level.

First submit the sponsor-interest form. After fit and availability are confirmed, Kidd Camp Inc. provides a written sponsorship agreement and invoice. A sponsorship is reserved only after the agreement is signed by both parties and the required payment is received.

Accessibility is part of festival planning. Confirmed parking, entry, mobility, seating, restroom, and accommodation information will be posted once the venue plan is finalized.

The festival is owned and operated by Kidd Camp Inc., a local 501(c)(3). Festival support helps advance its work creating friendships, inclusive opportunities, integrated employment pathways, and developmental support for individuals with special needs.

Review the published TicketStripe purchase terms and festival policies before checkout. Any confirmed weather delay, suspension, or cancellation information will be communicated through the website, official updates list, Facebook page, and attendee email.

Email the Pine Tree Smoke & Soul Fest team at kiddcamp@stellakidd.com.

Application information is used for review, communication, payment coordination, site planning, safety, compliance, and festival operations. It is not sold. See the website Privacy Notice for complete details.