Two Days. One Legendary Texas Tradition.
For Immediate Release · August 2026
King Ranch, the City of Kingsville, and Texas A&M University–Kingsville Announce an Expanded Partnership for Ranch Hand Weekend
King Ranch, the City of Kingsville, and Texas A&M University–Kingsville have announced an updated shared vision for the two-day celebration of South Texas heritage and western culture, set this year for Friday and Saturday, November 20–21, 2026.
Rooted in the legacy of King Ranch and the spirit of Kingsville, the enhanced event is designed to become an annual destination — welcoming visitors from across the nation for two full days of authentic western and ranch programming, competitive BBQ, and community celebration, all in the service of local charities.
Additional premium experiences, VIP programming, and charity partner announcements will follow in the weeks ahead.
- Friday Evening — Downtown Kickoff Tree lighting, shopping, entertainment, and community gathering in the heart of downtown Kingsville. Free and family-friendly.
- Saturday Morning — Ranch Hand Breakfast on King Ranch An expanded breakfast experience featuring a Ranch Rodeo, Quail Rig Car Show, and live Cowboy Demonstrations.
- Saturday All Day — KCBS BBQ Competition & Downtown Festival A Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned cooking competition featuring up to 50 teams and one of the highest prize purses of any sanctioned BBQ event in the country — anchoring a full downtown festival with 100+ local and regional vendors, a public tasting experience, Ford and John Deere sponsor areas, live music, and family activities.
Download the full press release (PDF)The Ranch Hand Weekend is our opportunity to share the King Ranch legacy with the world — bringing our community together for a celebration of South Texas heritage. We are extremely proud to build out this tradition alongside the City of Kingsville and Texas A&M University–Kingsville.
Robert Hodgen, CEO of King Ranch
A Tribute to South Texas Ranching
Every November, Kingsville pulls on its boots and celebrates the heritage that put it on the map. Ranch Hand Weekend is a two-day tribute to the South Texas ranching tradition. Part festival, part concert, it's a once-a-year experience you won't find anywhere else in Texas. From a hearty cowboy breakfast on the grounds of the historic King Ranch to live music downtown, Ranch Hand Weekend has something for every member of the family.
Proceeds from Ranch Hand Weekend benefit selected local charities in Kingsville.
The Weekend at a Glance
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Friday Evening — Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Kick off the weekend with the annual Community Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Kingsville. Live music, festive atmosphere, and a celebration that bridges Thanksgiving and the holiday season all in one evening. Leashed pets welcome.
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Saturday Morning — Ranch Hand Breakfast at King Ranch®
This is the one. Once a year, visitors are invited to drive their own vehicles onto the King Ranch for an authentic cowboy breakfast cooked and served outdoors. Fill your plate with a hearty ranch-style spread, watch team roping and old-time cow camp cooking demonstrations, listen to live music and storytelling, and take in the sweeping landscape of one of Texas's most iconic working ranches. Tickets are $15 and available online or at:
- King Ranch Saddle Shop
- King Ranch Visitors Center
- King Ranch Museum
- Kingsville Visitors Center
- At the gate the morning of the event
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Saturday Day — Ranch Hand Festival
After breakfast, head downtown for the full-day Ranch Hand Festival. Local vendors, food, family activities, and a celebration of Texas ranching culture fill the streets of historic downtown Kingsville. Rain or shine, the festival goes on regardless of weather. Leashed pets are welcome at all outdoor festival events, and all events are ADA accessible. Activities include:
- King Ranch BBQ Competition (A Kansas City BBQ Society Sanctioned Event)
- Local vendor booths
- Food and drink (ID required for alcohol purchases)
- Face painting and Santa selfies
- Ford's virtual Raptor ride
- John Deere's Touch-A-Tractor
- Archery
- Live music and demonstrations
- Roundup Car Show by Texas Rides
- King Ranch Museum access
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Saturday Afternoon — Kingsville Symphony Orchestra
A classical interlude before the evening concert, the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra performs at TAMUK as part of the weekend's full lineup.
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Saturday Evening — Ranch Hand Concert
The weekend closes out with a full concert at Texas A&M University - Kingsville featuring regional and touring artists. This concert is free to attend with VIP packages available for purchase online.
VIP Tickets Coming Soon
King Ranch BBQ Competition
Bring your best smoke to legendary soil.
The first ever King Ranch BBQ Competition — a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event — lines the streets of downtown Kingsville during Ranch Hand Weekend, November 20–21, 2026. Professional cooks, trained KCBS judges, and ticketed tasting options, right in the middle of the festival.
The stakes & purses
- $35,000 total prize pool — cash payouts ten deep across all categories
- Grand Champion — a custom handcrafted saddle made by King Ranch
- Reserve & 3rd Overall — custom belt buckles
- 1st place category winners — custom cowboy hats
- People's Choice — $1,650 split across three awards
- Ribbons awarded for all winning places
Team logistics & perks
- Entry fee — $350 per team for KCBS members, $400 for non-members
- Site setup — spacious 20' × 50' sites with easy entry and exit
- Team swag — goody bags with over $150 of value, for the first 50 teams to register
- Atmosphere — family-friendly, right in the centre of the festival action
Spots are limited. Secure your site, fire up the pit, and compete for serious cash and iconic King Ranch silverware.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking & Shuttles
- Park-and-ride shuttle service is available for concert-goers.
- Stay in Kingsville
- Make a weekend of it. View lodging options at kingsvilletexas.com/stay.
- More Information
- howdy@cityofkingsville.com
Vendor Applications Are Open
Downtown Kingsville hosts 90+ local and regional vendor booths across the weekend. Apply below.
A City of Kingsville Tourism Department, King Ranch, and Texas A&M University - Kingsville community event.