The whole event is accompanied by live music, and there is also a well-respected rodeo in conjunction with the barbecue. The events also include wine tastings and a crafts exhibit. The ranch has camping facilities. Admission varies with daily or weekend tickets, plus camping fees. For the kids, there is a grasshopper parade where children can parade their pet insects.
Most events are free.
The picnic is a fund-raiser for the Forum, which buys teddy bears for children who are in crisis. Emergency personnel carry the bears for the victims of abuse, accidents or trauma. In addition to contests, there are children's activities, a petting zoo and a teddy bear market. The picnic takes place from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Capital Metro runs free shuttle buses to the picnic from the Texas Department of Transportation building at 35th Street and Jackson Avenue in Central Austin.