FAQ

"Where is the Real. Texas. Festival.?"

The Real. Texas. Festival., April 26 and 27, 2013 takes place at Mesquite Arena and Rodeo Center in Mesquite, Texas, LBJ Freeway and Military Parkway. The exact street address of the venue is 1818 Rodeo Drive in Mesquite.

“When do the gates open?”

Festival hours are from 5-11 p.m. Friday, April 26; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, April 27.

“Can I buy or sample barbecue from the Taste of Mesquite Barbecue Contest?”

No. The barbecue competition is just that … a competition and the food that is being prepared is for competitive purposes only. The cooks are generally one or two-person operations that don’t plan on bringing massive amounts of meat to feed the festival crowd, which numbers in the tens of thousands.

“Who’s playing?”

Music will be a huge part of the Real. Texas. Festival. Be sure to check the Web site in January for a complete list of our entertainment schedule and a little about the artists – as well as a link to their individual Web sites or Facebook pages.

“What should I bring?”

Most importantly, bring your desire to have fun. From the concerts in the grass to the to Kid Korral and the carnival, there is certainly plenty to do for everyone. Dress accordingly. The weather is somewhat volatile in April in Texas. Check weather forecasts to see what the temperature will be like because 90 percent of the Real. Texas. Festival. takes place outdoors. Also, it might be good to bring sunscreen or insect repellent. Finally, for concert viewers, feel free to bring along lawn chairs or blankets. And, bring your cameras or camera phones, but keep them secure.

“What should I not bring?”

No outside coolers will be allowed, as well as weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, martial arts weapons, etc.). Please don’t bring skateboards, scooters, inline skates, personal transport vehicles or other small, transport devices. Recording the concerts is prohibited and any form of illegal narcotics or contraband will not be allowed inside the festival gates. No pets will be allowed inside the venue, except for service animals for disabled persons. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed to be brought into, or taken out of, the festival gates.

“Where can I park?”

Festival parking is available on the west and south lots of Mesquite Arena via a pass only – whether it is a preferred parking pass or a Vendor pass. There is plenty general admission areas immediately north of the festival grounds weather permitting. And, there is free parking at West Mesquite High School and Memorial Stadium with free shuttle service.

“If I’m staying at the hotel, will I be able to park close to the festival?”

The Hampton Inn and Suites is the host hotel of the Real. Texas. Festival. The hotel and convention center will be open for regular business and it is our hope that people wanting to attend our festival will want to book a room at the Hampton or any of our hotels in Mesquite.

“What it if it rains?”

In the case of inclement weather, the festival’s emergency management plan will kick in. The event will be altered and the general admission parking may not be available because of the wet conditions. In the case of a sudden weather event during the festival hours, stage announcements will be made with specific instructions for evacuation or where to go to ride out the storm. The event is a rain or shine event.