Temple, Texas is gearing up to host a significant new cultural event this fall as the Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival makes its debut on September 12-13, 2025. This highly anticipated inaugural festival promises a vibrant celebration of authentic Texas country music and world-class barbecue, set against the backdrop of the newly renovated MLK Festival Grounds in Downtown Temple. The event is a collaborative effort between the City of Temple and Soundskilz, aiming to establish a lasting annual tradition that highlights the region’s rich heritage and boosts the local economy.
A New Beacon for Texas Music Events
The Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival emerges as a significant addition to the Texas music events landscape, aiming to draw thousands of attendees and spotlight the Lone Star State’s deep-rooted musical and culinary traditions. The festival’s name itself evokes a sense of nostalgia, referencing an early nickname for Temple when it flourished as a bustling railroad town over 140 years ago. This connection to history underscores the festival’s mission to foster community pride and showcase the unique spirit of Temple.
The City of Temple’s City Manager, Brynn Myers, expressed enthusiasm for the festival’s potential to unite the community and support local businesses, anticipating an influx of visitors spending their dollars locally. The organizers have strategically chosen the MLK Festival Grounds, a multi-acre, multi-use outdoor greenspace that has undergone substantial renovations, enhancing its capacity and accessibility. The grounds will feature two outdoor stages to host a robust schedule of performances.
A Star-Studded Country Music Lineup
The festival’s musical offering is anchored by a compelling lineup of prominent Texas country artists, promising a diverse array of talent across two days. Headlining the event are chart-topping sensations Parker McCollum and Cody Jinks. McCollum, a celebrated figure in Texas country music, is set to perform in support of his highly anticipated new album, slated for release on June 27th. Jinks, known for his outlaw country style and independent spirit, will close out the festival on Saturday night.
Adding to the star power are legendary artists Robert Earl Keen and the Randy Rogers Band, who will celebrate their 25th anniversary together at the festival. The lineup also features a dozen other acclaimed music acts, including country hitmaker Mark Chesnutt, singer-songwriter Jack Ingram, and country rocker Corey Kent. Other notable artists scheduled to perform include The Wilder Blue, Silverada, and Shelby Stone, among many others, ensuring a rich tapestry of country and Americana music for festival-goers. In total, over 20 music artists are slated to perform, highlighting homegrown talent from across Texas and acclaimed national touring acts.
A Culinary Journey Through Texas BBQ Excellence
Complementing the impressive music roster is an equally exceptional barbecue experience, bringing together over a dozen of the nation’s most respected pitmasters. A significant number of these culinary artisans have earned accolades from Texas Monthly’s prestigious Top 50 BBQ Joints list, a benchmark for barbecue excellence in the Lone Star State.
Local Texas favorites such as Miller’s Smokehouse (Belton), Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth), and Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue (Harker Heights) will be present, alongside other highly-rated establishments like B4 Barbecue (Mabank), Bar-A-BBQ (Montgomery), Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ (Marathon), Hill City Chop House (Tolar), and Schoepf’s BBQ (Belton). The festival also extends its culinary reach beyond Texas, featuring renowned pitmasters from Oklahoma (Edge Craft Barbecue), North Carolina (Southern Smoke BBQ), South Carolina (Fork Grove Barbecue), Georgia (Owens & Hull), and Kansas (Meat Mitch), offering a rare cross-section of regional BBQ styles.
Festival-goers can indulge in a variety of BBQ cuisine, from classic Texas brisket and ribs to Kansas City burnt ends and Carolina chopped pork. The culinary offerings will be available through a “BBQ Time @ The Smoke Stack” add-on ticket, providing unlimited samples during designated tasting hours, and is also included for VIP pass holders.
Enhanced Fan Experiences and Community Impact
Beyond the main attractions, Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival is curating a comprehensive fan experience. Attendees can explore artisan markets featuring local makers and boutique vendors, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage Western apparel. Additionally, special ticketed experiences like “Pitmasters Privilege: BBQ Demo & Q&A” will offer intimate masterclasses, tastings, and early access with acclaimed pitmasters. Friday’s session will feature Panther City BBQ and chef Tim Clowers, while Saturday will showcase Fat Boys BBQ.
In a commendable move, a portion of the proceeds from the festival, particularly from Friday’s events, will be donated to support Central Texas flood victims, underscoring the festival’s commitment to community well-being. The City of Temple plans to provide detailed information regarding street closures, traffic advisories, and other logistical aspects to local residents via www.templetx.gov/news.
Festival Details and Future Vision
The Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 12, and Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the MLK Festival Grounds, located at 301 S 4th Street in Downtown Temple, Texas. Tickets and more information can be found at www.TanglefootTX.com, with social media updates available @TanglefootTX.
Organizers envision Tanglefoot not just as a single event, but as a foundational cultural celebration that grows year after year. By bringing together top-tier country music artists, exceptional barbecue talent, and a focus on community engagement, the festival is poised to become a cornerstone of the Texas music festival circuit, celebrating the unique spirit and flavors of the Lone Star State for years to come.
