Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion Returns

Fiddlers of all ages descend upon Athens, Texas, at the end of May each year. Kicking off the festivities for the 92nd Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion is a dinner and dance Thursday, May 25, at the Texan Theater. Friday, May 26 features live music, food vendors, and a cornhole tournament on the Henderson County square. The fiddling contest, car show, street dance and fair take place around the square on Saturday. For more information visit www. athensoldfiddlers.com.

Tyler Hosts Red Dirt BBQ Festival

The ninth Red Dirt BBQ Festival is organized by Townsquare Media and combines two Texas favorites — country music and barbecue — beginning at 12 p.m., Saturday, May 6. The downtown Tyler festival held on the square at 100 north Broadway Street has sold out tickets ahead of time each year and once again lives up to its claim as the “Best Food + Music Event.”

Six musical acts take the stage while visitors enjoy fare and spirits from two dozen Texas barbecue outfits. Headlining the event is Country Western musician Charley Crockett (“I’m Just a Clown.”) Other acts include Shane Smith and the Saints, William Clark Green, Charlie Robison, Mike and the Moonpies, and Kaitlin Butts. Three ticket tiers are on sale. Guests can purchase VIP tickets for $180 for admission at 12 p.m.; general admission tickets for $90 for admission at 1 p.m.; and afternoon access tickets for $65 for concert viewing at 3:45 p.m.

General admission and VIP ticket holders can sample food from all 25 food vendors. Barbecue joints from Tyler and the Upper East Side of Texas as well as from around the state serve up the festival’s fare.

The festival is produced by Townsquare Media, which owns KNUE 101.5 of Tyler. For information visit www.reddirtbbqfest.com.