10 very Texas things spotted at Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic, from a non-Texan

Willie Nelson strikes back with the 50th anniversary of his Fourth of July picnics. Running from early afternoon into the evening, this year's celebration had an amazing lineup, including Tyler Childers, Dwight Yoakam, Shaky Graves and other Texas-friendly musicians. And, of course, Willie Nelson.

As a temporary Texas transplant from Louisiana, I noticed Texan culture pop everywhere you looked. I sat in the Q2 stadium for 10 hours and crafted this list of 10 very Texas things spotted from Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic from a non-Texan.

Note: This article is best read with a "don't mess with Texas" shirt and a plate of brisket.

1. Cowboy hats everywhere.

This is the very first thing I noticed as soon as I walked into Q2 stadium. Of course, many hats were appropriately paired with cowboy boots, their partner in crime. Does having both the hat and boots make you an official cowboy? I need to rework my wardrobe.

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2. This one guy who was swagged out to the max.

Look at the video above, and we’re going to do an analysis here because there’s a lot to unpack. The American flag overalls (very patriotic), the sunglasses (super cool and mysterious), beer in each hand (incredibly dad-appropriate), holding two bags of Willie merch (his holding capabilities are impressive), and the hat (which completes the fit). I 10/10 believe he would be the fun uncle at family gatherings. I feel like he could play a mean banjo.

3. Fiddles.

This instrument made an appearance in every single performance throughout the 10 hours. I believe tearing up a violin goes harder than shredding an electric guitar. I’m converting to Texan culture now.

4. A long line for Willie Nelson merch.

The line was probably at least a 30-minute wait when I arrived, so hopefully it softened up throughout the day. The people want their Willie shirts, and frankly, I don’t blame them. 

5. Water misters and cooling fans.

In the scorching Texas heat (and lately, record-breaking over-100-degree temperatures) many people sought refuge around designated cooling stations and shade. There were also water stations where people could fill up their water bottles. Luckily, it was 92 degrees outside, not 105. Never thought I’d be thankful for 92-degree weather.

6. Brisket on every corner.

Y’all weren’t kidding about how heavenly this stuff is. I had never tried brisket before so I had a chopped brisket sandwich from Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, and it was amazing. I don’t need morning coffee anymore. Give me brisket instead, and I could fix world hunger and achieve world peace.

7. Lots of American flags.

There was a great, big ol' American flag across the stage, and there were also a lot of people wearing flags on their clothing. American flag hats, overalls, shirts, shawls, shoes, sunglasses — you name it. Patriotism was in the air, and red, white and blue pumped through my veins. 

8. Six-dollar water bottles.

For a 20 oz. Dasani water bottle, you had to pay $5.99, and a grain of sadness for spending that much on water. I’ve been hearing everything is bigger in Texas, so I guess that includes bigger water bottle prices. At least there were free water stations!

9. Dancing.

People-watching this event was heart-warming because sweethearts from across the stadium held their partners close during every country ballad. When Tyler Childers played his song “All your’n,” couples smiled at each other as they swayed, danced, twirled and jived. 

10. Willie Nelson.

The Texas native turned a whopping 90 years old this year, and he’s hosted 50 years worth of July 4th picnics in his lifetime. As he walked onto the stage and sat in his wooden chair, the crowd went wild. I went home that night with a belly full of brisket and a heart full of love for Texas.

Honorable mention: Beer galore.

Nothin’ like listening to live country performances with a beer in hand. There were many selections of alcohol from several canned brews to frozen margaritas. Anything a cowboy could want, they had it.