Held two weeks before the enormous rockabilly weekender, Viva Las Vegas - Lonestar Round Up is a lot the same but also a lot different. While you'll find many similar cars and music at both, Lonestar Round Up provides a more low-key, down home experience than it's Vegas counterpart. My first year attending, and a foreigner to Texas, I was struck by just how nice and welcoming people were both around Austin as well as at the car show. The wide variety of cars is another thing I appreciated - from rat rods, to customs, to restorations and everything in between - there was plenty of eye candy, interesting builds, and a fresh collection from what I'm used to seeing in California.
Meatheads BBQ
People start coming into town on Thursday for the Friday & Saturday show. The first order of business is driving about 30 minutes outside of town on Thursday afternoon for the Meatheads BBQ. As a first timer, this was a great introduction to the weekend and, looking back, one of my favorite parts! Cars fill up the gravel and grass lots surrounding a hall where the Meatheads serve up finger-smackin' BBQ open to all (donations are accepted) while bands circulate on stage providing toe-tappin' tunes.
Music, Cruising, and Parties
From there, South Congress area is the place to go. The Austin Motel fills up with out of town LSRU attendees... While nearby music spots like The Continental Club bring through rockabilly bands. Hot rods, customs, and vintage cars fill the streets. You know you're in Texas when you see a couple of horses saddled up on a busy street! Other area hot rod hot-spots opened there doors as well, such as Austin Speed Shop which had parties going both nights.
Cars, Cars, and more Cars!
When the show starts Friday, hundreds of cars fill up the Travis County Expo Center. We've already shared a full 100-picture LSRU gallery, and will be bringing more top favorites in a couple of days, but even a non-traditional car enthusiast can pick out the variety that shows up!
Even More Excitement
As if there weren't enough to look at, a number of other activities are going on. From bands circulating the stage to daily dirt bike races. There's nothing quite like seeing grown men circle the dirt with smiles of glee on tiny mini bikes! The swap meet had plenty of old parts for sell while a vendor area offered more polished goods. Cacklefests are something you don't see (or more importantly hear) everyday - this lineup of vintage dragsters provided a treat for the ears. And of course there was BBQ on hand and food truck vendors to keep the stomachs full and satisfied. All in all, Lonestar Round Up was a refreshing good time that made me want to come back home, get in the garage, and integrate a little Texas charm into my lifestyle!
