OKC Chef to Headline Texas Barbecue Event

Kevin Lee to lead two-day festival celebrating smoked meats and live music.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:16pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a barbecue smoker in bold, neon colors, conceptually representing the energy and excitement of a regional food festival.A vibrant celebration of smoked meats, live music, and Oklahoma City's growing culinary influence.Oklahoma City Today

Kevin Lee, a renowned chef from Oklahoma City, has been tapped to headline a two-day barbecue event in Texas. The SMOKE festival will feature live music, local food vendors, and a showcase of Lee's acclaimed smoked meats and grilling techniques.

Why it matters

As a rising star in the regional barbecue scene, Lee's involvement in the SMOKE festival highlights Oklahoma City's growing culinary influence beyond its borders. The event also provides an opportunity for Texans to experience the unique flavors and styles that have made Oklahoma a destination for smoked meat enthusiasts.

The details

The SMOKE festival will take place over the course of two days in a small Texas town, featuring live music, local food vendors, and a special appearance by Kevin Lee. Lee, who owns a popular barbecue restaurant in Oklahoma City, will lead cooking demonstrations, host tastings, and share his expertise on low-and-slow smoking techniques that have earned him a loyal following.

  • The SMOKE festival will be held on April 25-26, 2026.

The players

Kevin Lee

A renowned chef from Oklahoma City who owns a popular barbecue restaurant and is known for his expertise in smoked meats and grilling.

SMOKE: A Barbecue Festival

A two-day event in Texas that will feature live music, local food vendors, and a showcase of Kevin Lee's acclaimed smoked meats and grilling techniques.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to share my passion for barbecue with the people of Texas. They take their smoked meats seriously, and I'm honored to be a part of this celebration of great food and live music.”

— Kevin Lee, Chef and Restaurateur

What’s next

Tickets for the SMOKE festival are on sale now and can be purchased through the event's website.

The takeaway

Kevin Lee's involvement in the SMOKE festival underscores Oklahoma City's growing reputation as a culinary destination, with its chefs and techniques gaining recognition beyond state borders. The event promises to be a celebration of the region's unique barbecue culture and the talented individuals who are shaping it.