TEMPLE, TEXAS – The City of Temple, Texas, in conjunction with event management specialists Soundskilz, has officially announced the launch of a significant new cultural event for Central Texas: the inaugural Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival. Set to take place on September 12-13, 2025, this two-day festival promises to blend the rich traditions of live country music with the celebrated culinary art of Texas barbecue, drawing attendees to the heart of Downtown Temple.
The festival will be hosted at the MLK Festival Grounds, located at 301 S 4th Street in Downtown Temple. This venue is slated to transform into a vibrant hub of activity, offering a platform for both established and emerging country music artists alongside a showcase of some of the region’s finest barbecue vendors.
Headliners Set to Anchor Weekend Performances
A major highlight of the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival’s debut lineup is the confirmation of two prominent figures in contemporary country and Texas Red Dirt music. Platinum-selling artist Parker McCollum is confirmed to headline the festival on Friday, September 12th, 2025. McCollum, known for hits like “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You,” is also scheduled to release his latest studio album on June 27, 2025. This timing makes the Tanglefoot Festival one of the earliest opportunities for fans to experience songs from his highly anticipated new project performed live on stage, adding an extra layer of excitement for attendees on the festival’s opening night.
Following McCollum’s performance, the festival will feature another heavyweight act on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, with Cody Jinks headlining the second day. Jinks, an independent country music artist with a dedicated following, is celebrated for his raw, authentic sound and prolific songwriting. His performance is expected to close out the inaugural event, solidifying a lineup designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of country music enthusiasts.
Beyond the headliners, the festival roster is anticipated to include a diverse array of other country music acts, promising continuous live performances across the weekend. The full lineup details for supporting artists are expected to be released closer to the event date.
A Celebration of Texas BBQ Culture
Integral to the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival is its equally important focus on barbecue. Texas is renowned globally for its distinct and diverse styles of BBQ, and the festival aims to curate a selection of vendors offering everything from slow-smoked brisket and ribs to sausage and accompanying sides. This culinary component is designed to complement the musical performances, providing attendees with a full sensory experience that celebrates two of the state’s most cherished cultural exports. The inclusion of “mouthwatering BBQ” underscores the organizers’ commitment to providing high-quality food offerings that live up to Texas’s legendary reputation.
The Venue: MLK Festival Grounds in Downtown Temple
The choice of the MLK Festival Grounds at 301 S 4th Street in Downtown Temple as the festival site is strategic. Downtown Temple has been a focus for revitalization efforts, and hosting a major event like the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival here is expected to draw significant traffic and attention to the city’s core. The grounds provide ample space for stages, vendor booths, and attendee areas, facilitating the large crowds anticipated for a festival featuring artists of McCollum’s and Jinks’ caliber. The location offers accessibility for both local residents and visitors traveling from across Central Texas and beyond.
Collaborative Effort by City and Soundskilz
The organization of the inaugural Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival is a collaborative endeavor between the City of Temple, Texas, and Soundskilz. This partnership combines the municipal resources and community focus of the City with the event production expertise of Soundskilz, aiming to ensure a smoothly operated and memorable experience for all involved. The City’s involvement signals a commitment to enhancing cultural offerings and driving tourism, while Soundskilz’s role highlights the logistical and technical aspects required to bring a large-scale music and food festival to fruition.
Ticketing Information and Availability
Anticipation for the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival has been high, with ticket sales commencing well in advance of the September 2025 dates. Two-day GA (General Admission) and VIP (Very Important Person) tickets were released to the general public on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CST. The release offered potential attendees the first opportunity to secure their passes for the full weekend of music and BBQ.
Recognizing the contributions of specific community groups, the organizers have also made discounted tickets available. Military Members and College Students are eligible for special pricing, an initiative aimed at making the festival accessible to a wider audience and showing appreciation for these demographics within Central Texas and beyond.
The VIP tickets are expected to offer premium viewing areas, enhanced amenities, and potentially exclusive access, providing an elevated festival experience. GA tickets offer standard access to the festival grounds and performances.
Economic and Cultural Impact on Central Texas
The launch of an inaugural festival of this magnitude is poised to have a significant positive impact on Temple and the broader Central Texas region. Economically, it is expected to boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and service providers, through increased visitor spending. The festival will also create temporary employment opportunities.
Culturally, the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival adds a major event to Central Texas’s annual calendar, enhancing its reputation as a destination for live music and culinary tourism. The event’s focus on “local community vibes” suggests an intention to involve local vendors and organizations, further integrating the festival into the fabric of Temple.
Hosting prominent artists like Parker McCollum and Cody Jinks underscores the festival’s ambition to become a premier annual event, attracting attendees not only from Texas but potentially from neighboring states. The combination of high-profile music acts and authentic Texas BBQ provides a compelling draw that leverages the strengths of the region’s cultural identity.
Looking Ahead to September 2025
As planning continues for the inaugural Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival, excitement is building in Temple and across the Central Texas area. The successful launch of ticket sales indicates strong public interest in the event. With a lineup featuring country music stars Parker McCollum and Cody Jinks, a prime location at the MLK Festival Grounds in Downtown Temple (301 S 4th Street), and a promise of exceptional Texas BBQ, the festival is shaping up to be a highlight of the fall 2025 calendar. The event on September 12-13, 2025, represents a significant new venture for the City of Temple and Soundskilz, aimed at establishing a lasting tradition of music, food, and community celebration in Central Texas.
