TEMPLE, TX (November 20, 2025) - The Tanglefoot Music & BBQ Festival generated an estimated $7.9 million in total economic activity for Temple, according to an Economic Impact Report conducted by Johnson Consulting.
"Tourism is one of Temple’s strongest economic drivers. Because Tanglefoot is funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax dollars, this investment is designed specifically to bring new visitors and new dollars into our city. With an estimated $7.9 million in total economic activity for Temple, the festival didn’t just entertain, but helped fuel long-term growth in our community. It’s exciting to see such positive results."
Brynn Myers, Temple City Manager
How the Festival Is Funded
The festival was funded entirely through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)/Hotel-Motel funds. These funds are generated from people staying in local hotels and are legally restricted for tourism purposes and cannot be used for streets, utilities, police, fire, parks, or general city services.
Approximate Visitor Impact at a Glance
- 77% of visitors were from outside of Bell County
- 7,000 total visitors were recorded throughout the festival period
- 1,055 hotel room nights were generated, does not include other lodging types (example: B&Bs, RV parks, etc.)
- $3.3 million in direct spending, including hotel stays, meals, shopping, and local attractions during the festival period
- $1.5 million in indirect spending, representing business-to-business and supply-chain activity during the festival period
- $3.0 million in induced spending, representing the household spending that happens when workers earn income from the event and spend it locally (groceries, gas, retail, etc.)
The goal of the festival was to bring new visitors to Temple, increase spending at local businesses, and generate a meaningful economic impact for the community. These indicators demonstrate that the festival not only attracted visitors, but also created an economic ripple effect benefiting local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and hospitality partners.
A First-Year Investment
First-year festivals often require higher upfront investment as recognition builds, attendance patterns develop, and marketing momentum grows. The festival required a $3 million investment and generated $1 million in revenue, and it has laid a strong foundation for future growth and continued economic benefits for our community.
Data and feedback from local businesses, stakeholders, and the community are being reviewed to help guide future planning. The community’s support has been instrumental in bringing a new and exciting event to Temple and in advancing opportunities that strengthen the local economy and highlight all that the city has to offer.