ADVERTISED AS THREE days of "bands, brisket and beers," the Big As Texas music and food festival debuts at Montgomery County Fairgrounds in less than two weeks. Set for Mother's Day Weekend, the event is co-produced by the country-music experts at Dosey Doe, and funds will benefit organizations with a mission of suicide prevention.

The three-day festival features headliners Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley and Billy Strings; other performers include Clay Walker, Dwight Yoakum, Maddie & Tae, Los Lobos and Midland, in addition to dozens of other regional musicians. Visual artists scheduled to attend and display their work for purchase include muralist Whitney, caricaturist Steven Simon, Autumn Vann and Tyler Darling. With bounce houses, pig racing, Ferris wheels, face-painting and other only-in-Texas activities — chainsaw carvings and custom hats, anyone? — the event promises to be unique and family-friendly.

As for the food, expect tons of barbecue, as advertised — but also refreshing goodness from Frios Gourmet Pops and Uncle Louie G's Italian Ice and Ice Cream, along with festival-food vendors like Sasha's Corny Cob, Nacho Birria and Pizza Nova. Activations from various whiskeys will pop up throughout the grounds as well.

More than 40 local nonprofits will also be in attendance, making Big As Texas an inclusive and community-forward initiative. The sprawling grounds offer plenty of room for the barrel racing, car show and carnival games — plus RV parking, campsites and more for those who want to post up for the whole weekend!