How do I get to the festival?
The festival is at Travis Bryan Midtown Park located at 206 W Villa Maria Rd in Bryan. A free shuttle will run every 15-30 minutes from the Roy Kelly parking garage downtown, located at 200-298 E 227th St., Bryan, TX 77803. For guests staying at the Stella Hotel, a dedicated shuttle service will be available, running every 30 minutes to and from the festival site.
There will be limited parking at the festival, especially on Saturday. To help alleviate parking challenges and streamline your experience, we strongly encourage you to utilize the convenient and free shuttle services available.
What parking is available on-site?
ADA parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to accommodate attendees with accessibility needs.
VIP attendees will have access to a designated parking lot, also on a first-come, first-served basis.
A limited number of general festival parking spaces will be available in the parking lot located across the street from the festival site, also on a first-come, first served basis.
How do I purchase tickets?
General Admission tickets are now available through a link provided on our website, newsletter and social media. We will also have Saturday Night Only tickets available this year, which gets you in beginning at 6:00pm for the Big Dance and Barn Dance Finale.
Can I volunteer in exchange for a 2-day pass to the event?
It’s not too late! We are in need of reliable volunteers to assist with the event. In exchange for working two (2) 4-hour shifts, you’ll receive a pass for the entire event. We have many shifts available from being a wristband checker at certain checkpoints to working the entry gates, merchandise tent and more. Email us at volunteer@highdesertent.com for more information.
When can I pick up my wristband?
You may pick up your wristbands early on Friday morning at the main entry gates beginning at 9am (gates open at 11:30am). If you’re not able to come early, you can still pick your wristband at the main entry gate each day of the event from 10:30am-8:00pm.
Does the 2-Day pass and the Saturday Only ticket include entrance to Saturday night’s ‘Barn Dance’?
Yes! The 2-Day Pass includes entry for the entire weekend including the Barn Dance on Saturday night.
What is the “Barn Dance”?
At around 6:00pm on Saturday night, we will clear all the chairs off the big dance floor in the main tent and turn our “listening room” into the biggest “Barn Dance” in the Texas! Barn Dance Only Tickets (beginning at 6:00pm on Saturday) will be available to purchase online under our tickets tab or at the door for $35 cash only.
Will there be protection from the sun and rain?
Yes! We have a large, seated, open air, “listening room” style tent that will keep you cool from the sun and dry from the rain. Texas weather can be unpredictable in May however, so come prepared for sunny days, chilly nights, and the possibility of a little rain.
Can I bring my own chairs?
Seating will be provided under the main tent throughout the weekend (until Saturday night’s Barn Dance of course!). If you bring your own chair, we ask that you keep it in the designated areas located at the back of the main tent or in the lawn areas.
Are there reserved seats inside the tent?
Aside from VIP ticket holders, seating inside the main tent is first come, first served. Seats may not be held overnight. Big Barn Dance is not responsible for items left overnight, and all items left behind will be placed in lost and found.
Is there Handicapped Parking or Seating Available?
There is a designated handicapped parking lot for Big Barn Dance located near the entrance of the festival. If the designated handicapped parking lot is full, you can also do drop off / pick ups at the festival entrance. Just let security know that you are dropping someone off and they will give you temporary access to the drop-off location. Those with physical disabilities or anybody needing special assistance to get inside the venue will be asked to report to the VIP Entrance 30 minutes prior to doors opening. All handicapped parking and seating is first come, first served. Plan to arrive early.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Absolutely NO outside food or drinks are allowed inside the festival grounds. We will have a free water station available on the festival grounds – please feel free to bring your empty water bottle for water refills!
Will camping be available?
No, we will not be offering camping at the festival in Bryan.
Are dogs allowed at the festival?
Yes! We love our furry friends, but it’s very important to preserve the “listening room” experience for all our human festival goers. We will have very strict rules and guidelines including a barking policy, a potty policy and more. You will be asked to check your dog in at the front gates and sign a waiver. Please note, dogs may not come under the tent or block pedestrian walkways of any kind.
Will there be dance lessons?
Yes! Dance lessons will be taught by the incredible Aggie Wranglers on Saturday morning from 9:00am-10:30am. Lessons are free with your Big Barn Dance ticket. Lesson great for beginners and beyond.
What is happening on Sunday, May 5th?
The “Big Barn Dance Songwriter Series” will take place downtown on Sunday, May 5th at the Palace Theater and the Grand Stafford Theater (right across the street from one another). Performances will be from 3pm-7pm, but plan to arrive early to soak in the amazing food and atmosphere that downtown Bryan has to offer. Also, please join us for a special screening of The Birth and History of Western Swing at The Queen Theatre on Sunday, May 5 at 1pm. After, we’ll have a brief Q&A with the film’s director Mike Markwardt! Any Big Barn Dance wristband, including single day and Dance Only tickets, will get you into the Sunday events for free.
Is the bar cash only?
No, there will be multiple ways to pay for drinks, including cash and card. We will not have an ATM on-site, so please come prepared. We do offer a full bar that includes beer, wine, and liquor.
Can I be a food or craft vendor at the festival?
Yes, we are currently accepting applications for craft and food vendors at the event. Please email vendor@highdesertent.com for more information.
Bag Policy
Small bags and backpacks are permitted on festival grounds and are subject to be searched by security at any point.
Can I get a refund on my ticket?
We will not be offering refunds or transfers under any circumstance on 2024 Tickets. All sales are final. This is a rain or shine event.