Festival Organizers and Pitmasters also unite to donate ticket proceeds & raise funds to support Central Texas flood victims.
TEMPLE, TX (July 22, 2025) – Local organizers of the new Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival are firing up the pits today with the unveiling of the full BBQ lineup and several new BBQ-focused fan experiences. The inaugural festival debuts near Downtown Temple on September 12-13, 2025, with tickets to both the weekend event and the new BBQ experiences on sale now at www.TanglefootTX.com.
BBQ PITMASTER LINEUP: In addition to its 20+ country music artists previously announced to lineup including Parker McCollum, Cody Jinks, Robert Earl Keen, Randy Rogers Band, Jack Ingram, and more, this new two-day festival will showcase a handpicked selection of over a dozen elite and award-winning pitmasters from across Texas and far beyond – with a majority having been honored by Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints List, considered the ultimate ranking scale for pitmasters in the Lone Star State.
Representing the pinnacle of Texas BBQ, this year’s lineup features eight standout joints recently recognized in the Texas Monthly 2025 Top 50 BBQ List, including B4 Barbecue (Mabank), Bar-A-BBQ (Montgomery), Miller’s Smokehouse (Belton), Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth), and Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue (Harker Heights) taking home high marks. Additional Texas Monthly Honorable Mentions included Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ (Marathon), Hill City Chop House (Tolar), and Schoepf’s BBQ (Belton).
At Tanglefoot, BBQ lovers will be treated to a mouthwatering, meat-forward lineup unlike any other, from Texas brisket legends to Carolina chopped pork, Kansas City burnt ends, and more. Notable out-of-state entries include Edge Craft Barbecue (Oklahoma), Southern Smoke BBQ (North Carolina), Fork Grove Barbecue (South Carolina), Owens & Hull (Georgia), and Meat Mitch (Kansas), giving Tanglefoot a uniquely mouthwatering, meat-forward food lineup unlike any other.
"Welcoming some of the nation’s top pitmasters to Temple is truly a rare treat for our residents," said Temple Mayor Tim Davis. "This lineup of acclaimed BBQ talent adds another layer of excitement to Tanglefoot, and we’re proud to see our city hosting a premier event that brings together great music, world-class food, and community celebration all in one place."
BBQ-FOCUSED FAN EXPERIENCES: To allow fans to make the most of this savorous pitmaster lineup, Tanglefoot has introduced two brand-new BBQ-focused fan experiences designed to immerse festival-goers in the sights, smells, and flavors of the pits like never before, while also raising funds for nearby flood relief efforts.
Pitmasters Privilege: BBQ Demo & Q&A ($100+ per ticket) This exclusive pre-festival experience lets you meet the masters, watch their techniques, sample the flavors, and pick up a few secrets along the way, with ticket perks including:
- Unlimited BBQ tastings during daily BBQ hours (Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.)
- Access to a private demo & Q&A with featured pitmasters before festival gates open
- Commemorative T-shirt & photo ops
- Must accompany a festival ticket; one admission per Pitmasters Privilege ticket.
Friday’s schedule features:
- Panther City (Fort Worth), renowned Texas Monthly Top 50 & Michelin-recommended team
- Chef Tim Clowers (Nashville), acclaimed Nashville-based chef bringing a Tennessee twist to Texas BBQ
Saturday’s schedule includes:
- Corey Mikes of Fat Boys BBQ (Temple), three-time world champion pitmaster known for competition-winning flavors
- and more!
On Friday, a portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit Central Texas flood relief efforts, with additional donations being made as a collective effort across participating pitmasters and festival organizers.
BBQ Time @ The Smoke Stack ($25+ per ticket) If BBQ’s your love language, welcome home. This tasting ticket gives you unlimited samples from 15+ elite pitmasters and a one-of-a-kind foodie experience, with ticket offerings including:
- Unlimited BBQ tastings during daily BBQ hours (3–7pm)
- Access to 12+ pitmasters each day
- Included in VIP festival tickets
- Sold per day — no two-day BBQ Time tickets available
- Must accompany a festival ticket; one admission per BBQ Time ticket
“We wanted the BBQ at Tanglefoot to be just as unforgettable as the music,” said Festival Director Steve Clayton. “These pitmasters represent the best of the best – and most of them don’t normally travel too far from their firepits. To have them here in Temple for one weekend, sharing their craft while also coming together to help our Texas neighbors impacted by the recent floods? Now that’s something worth celebrating."
With each vendor serving a curated onsite menu of smoked meats, house-made sides, and weekend-only specialties, festival-goers of all ages can further explore this year’s official BBQ lineup, available below and listed online at www.TanglefootTX.com.
Stay tuned as more festival announcements, including the daily music performance lineups, will be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, visit www.TanglefootTX.com to purchase tickets and follow along on social media at @TanglefootTX to learn more.
Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival Now Offers Discounted Tickets for Military Members & College Students
Inaugural Country Music Festival Celebrates Local Pride with Tickets on Sale Now
WHAT: Organizers behind Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival are proud to offer exclusive discounted ticket pricing for current and retired military personnel as well as college students, for the inaugural festival taking place on September 12-13 near Downtown Temple, Texas.
Student and Military Discount
This initiative underscores Tanglefoot’s commitment to accessibility, community pride, and honoring those who serve, while welcoming a loyal and diverse audience to the heart of Central Texas. Temple’s strong ties to the military and proximity to several major universities make this offer especially meaningful.
Eligible attendees can purchase a one-day pass for $100 (plus taxes and fees), with a limited quantity available. These tickets include access to nationally recognized country music artists across two main stages, as well as entry to the festival grounds featuring local food trucks, bars, artisan vendors, and award-winning pitmasters from across the country. Please note: BBQ tastings and various other options are available for purchase and are not included in these special ticket options.
To learn more, please visit www.TanglefootTX.com and follow along on social media at @TanglefootTX.
WHEN: Friday, September 12 & Saturday, September 13, 2025
WHERE: MLK Festival Grounds in Downtown Temple (301 S 4th Street, Temple, TX 76501)
TICKETS: Fans can purchase tickets today at www.TanglefootTX.com. Single-day military tickets are otherwise available for purchase HERE, with single-day student tickets available HERE.
Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival Announces Daily Lineups Feat. Headliners Parker McCollum (Friday) & Cody Jinks (Saturday)
Single-Day Tickets on Sale this Friday, May 16
WHAT: Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival has officially announced its single-day music lineups for the two-day celebration happening September 12–13, 2025, in downtown Temple, Texas. From chart-topping country artists to rising Texas talent, the festival promises a weekend of live music, mouthwatering BBQ, and local community vibes!
Considered one of the new leaders of Texas country music, Parker McCollum will headline Friday while performing in support of his highly anticipated new album, which will be released June 27th, while country outlaw and MusicRow's former Independent Artist of the Year award winner Cody Jinks will close out the festival on Saturday night.
In total, festival-goers can enjoy over 20 country music acts performing at the two-day celebration of Central Texas, emphasizing musicians from across the Lone Star State. The daily music lineup is listed below and found online at www.TanglefootTX.com.
To celebrate the news, organizers will release single-day tickets for sale this Friday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. CT.
Visit www.TanglefootTX.com and follow along on social media at @TanglefootTX to learn more.
DAILY LINEUP:
Friday, September 12:
- Parker McCollum
- Randy Rogers Band
- Corey Kent
- Shelby Stone
- The Wilder Blue
- Graham St. Clair Band
- Bottomland
- Cole Whittlesey
- Jackson Wendell
Saturday, September 13:
- Cody Jinks
- Robert Earl Keen
- Mark Chesnut
- Jack Ingram
- Silverada
- The Droptines
- Kin Faux
- Mac Hankins and The Moonlighters
- Cole Phillips
- Austin Gilliam
- Mitchell Ferguson
- Matt Caldwell
WHEN: Friday, September 12 & Saturday, September 13, 2025
WHERE: MLK Festival Grounds in Downtown Temple (301 S 4th Street, Temple, TX 76501)
TICKETS: Single-day passes are available starting Friday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. CT. Fans can purchase tickets at www.tanglefoottx.com/tickets.
Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival Welcomes Parker McCollum, Cody Jinks, and more Country Music Acts to Central Texas this Fall
Inaugural Music & BBQ Festival Kicks Off September 12-13 in Temple, Texas
Tickets On Sale This Friday, April 25 at www.TangleFootTX.com
TEMPLE, TX (April 21, 2025) – UPDATE: The City of Temple is proud to announce the inaugural music lineup for Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival as Texas’ newest country music festival debuts this fall on September 12-13 at the MLK Festival Grounds in Downtown Temple.
To celebrate the new music lineup, organizers will be releasing two-day GA and VIP tickets to the general public starting this Friday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. CST. Available online at www.TanglefootTX.com, fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible as prices will only increase as the festival date approaches, with children less than 5-years-old admitted at no cost.
About the Music Lineup:
Across two outdoor stages, festival goers can enjoy over 20 country and Americana music acts who will perform at the two-day affair, with an emphasis on showcasing musicians from across the Lone Star State.
Considered one of the new leaders of Texas country music, Parker McCollum will headline the inaugural event as the rising star is set to release his latest studio album on June 27, making Tanglefoot one of the first opportunities to watch Parker perform songs from the new album live. Joining him as co-headliner will be country outlaw and MusicRow's former Independent Artist of the Year award winner Cody Jinks, who continues to perform in support of his latest album Change the Game released just last year.
A pair of Texas icons, including legendary singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen A.K.A. the Godfather of Texas Country Music; and the iconic Texas outfit that celebrates its 25th anniversary together, Randy Rogers Band will join McCollum and Jinks in Temple alongside a dozen-plus other music acts.
Additional standouts scheduled to perform at Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival this fall include 90s country hitmaker Mark Chesnutt; Houston-born chart-topping singer-songwriter Jack Ingram; Frisco-based country rocker Corey Kent, who looks to reunite with McCullom as the two toured together extensively in the early years of their careers; five-piece Americana and bluegrass-inspired band The Wilder Blue who just released their new album Still In The Runnin' last month, and more.
The full music lineup is listed below, and available online at www.TanglefootTX.com.
About the Fan Experience:
In addition to unforgettable performances from award-winning music artists, residents and travelers alike can explore over a dozen authentic BBQ joints from some of the country’s most popular pitmasters who will travel to Temple for a rare weekend pop-up to cook up different BBQ cuisine from across the country, specifically Texas, Kansas City, Memphis, and Carolina styles.
To offer attendees of all ages a taste of the good life found in Central Texas, organizers hope to create a lasting cultural celebration each fall that evokes a sense of pride amongst residents and ultimately boosts the local economy with out-of-town visitors spending their dollars locally.
Stay tuned as more festival details surrounding this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks, including the BBQ and daily music performance lineups.
The City of Temple will also share more details online with its local neighbors, including information on street closures, traffic advisories, and more via www.TempleTX.gov/News.
Visit www.TanglefootTX.com and follow along on social media at @TanglefootTX to learn more.
MUSIC LINEUP:
Parker McCollum, Cody Jinks, Robert Earl Keen, Randy Rogers Band, Mark Chesnutt, Jack Ingram, Corey Kent, The Wilder Blue, Shelby Stone, Silverada, The Droptines, Kin Faux, West Texas Wind, Bottomland Band, Cole Whittlesey, Jason Wendell, Mac Hankins, Cole Phillips, Austin Gilliam, David Adam Byrnes, Mitchell Ferguson, Matt Caldwell + more!
City of Temple Announces New Music & BBQ Festival Coming to Central Texas this Fall
Tanglefoot Festival 2025 Kicks Off September 12-13 with Country Music Lineup & Ticket Sale Coming Soon
TEMPLE, TX (April 7, 2025) – The City of Temple is excited to unveil a brand new festival launching this fall featuring incredible country music acts, mouth-watering BBQ, and an outdoor community celebration of the Lone Star State. The new Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival will kick off September 12-13 at the MLK Festival Grounds.
The inaugural weekend event is set to take place near Downtown Temple at the MLK Festival Grounds. Following a recent multi-million dollar renovation, this multi-acre and multi-use outdoor greenspace will soon host thousands of music-loving festival-goers of all ages, along with increased accessibility thanks to the City’s Santa Fe Market Trail connecting the grounds to the rest of Downtown Temple.
The name of the festival itself is seeped in Temple history and lore, evoking a sense of nostalgia amongst residents. Tanglefoot was originally a common nickname for the town in its earliest days having been founded 140+ years ago in 1881 as a popular stop along the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad that ran from Corpus Christi, Texas to Santa Fe, Mexico. As a booming railroad town, Temple became well known as a destination where travelers, workers, and locals filled the bustling streets to enjoy lively gatherings, toe-tapping music and true Texas hospitality, while ultimately forging a strong community spirit that continues on to this very day.
“The Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival is a testament to Temple’s rich history and thriving future. By bringing together incredible country music, delicious BBQ, and our vibrant community, we are creating an event that showcases the best of our city. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike for an unforgettable celebration in the heart of downtown Temple.”
Temple Mayor Tim Davis
The new festival site will feature two outdoor stages showcasing over 20 music acts at the two-day affair, with an emphasis on country music acts that feature homegrown musicians from across the State of Texas as well as acclaimed national touring acts.
In addition to unforgettable performances from award-winning artists, residents and travelers alike can explore over a dozen authentic BBQ joints from some of the country’s most popular pitmasters who will travel to Temple for a rare weekend pop-up to cook up different BBQ styles from across the country - Texas, Kansas City, Memphis, and Carolina styles - not to mention locally-owned businesses and artisans who will be invited to set up shop onsite.
With the goal of offering attendees of all ages a taste of the good life in Temple, organizers have launched this new festival in order to create a lasting cultural celebration each fall, one that evokes a sense of pride amongst residents, while ultimately providing a positive boost to the local economy thanks to out-of-town visitors spending locally.
"We are thrilled to launch this new festival, which not only highlights Temple’s deep-rooted musical and culinary traditions but also strengthens our local economy. With the newly renovated MLK Festival Grounds as the backdrop, Tanglefoot will bring thousands together to enjoy top-tier entertainment, support local businesses, and experience the unique spirit of our community."
Temple City Manager Brynn Myers
Stay tuned as more details surrounding this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks, including the music performance lineup, the list of BBQ pitmasters who will set camp at the inaugural fest, and the full slate of family-friendly activities, local artisans, and community partners involved in the 2025 edition of Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival.
The City of Temple will also be sharing more details soon with its local neighbors, including information on street closures, traffic advisories, and more online at www.templetx.gov/news.
For more information, visit www.TanglefootTX.com and follow along on social media at @TanglefootTX.
TANGLEFOOT FESTIVAL 2025 - EVENT INFORMATION
EVENT: Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival
DATE: Friday, September 12 & Saturday, September 13, 2025
LOCATION: MLK Festival Grounds (301 S 4th Street, Temple, TX 76501)
ORGANIZERS: City of Temple, Soundskilz
MUSIC LINEUP: Coming soon!
WEBSITE: www.TanglefootTX.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: @TanglefootTX
ABOUT TANGLEFOOT MUSIC & BBQ FESTIVAL:
Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival is an independently-owned outdoor festival experience held annually in the heart of downtown Temple, Texas that celebrates country music and authentic Texas BBQ. Produced by the City of Temple and Soundskilz, come experience an unforgettable day filled with live performances, local entertainment, and incredible BBQ pitmasters from across the State of Texas. Please visit www.TanglefootTX.com and follow @TanglefootTX to learn more.
FESTIVAL MEDIA CONTACTS:
FESTIVAL PRESS MATERIALS: