Get ready to savor the flavors and sounds of Texas! The Smokeout Fest is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the legendary Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas. Known for its iconic role as the Ewing family home in the beloved television series Dallas, Southfork Ranch will transform into a paradise for barbecue and country music lovers alike.

Barbecue Competition and Tasting:

The festivities kick off from 2 to 5 p.m. with a barbecue competition sanctioned by the renowned Outlaws BBQ. This is a chance for barbecue enthusiasts to experience the rich tradition of Texas barbecue, a culinary art that has deep roots in the Lone Star State. Texas barbecue is celebrated for its slow-cooked, smoky perfection, a testament to the dedication and skill of its pitmasters. At The Smokeout Fest, more than 50 teams will compete, showcasing their unique styles and secret recipes. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste these mouthwatering specialties and cast votes for their favorites. The three team placing in the People's Choice award will each walk away a share of $5,000 in prize money. A separate VIP experience with advance access to the teams is available beginning at 12 p.m. and includes the evening’s concerts.

Music Festival Extravaganza:

As the sun prepares to set, the music festival portion of The Smokeout Fest will heat up from 5 p.m. until midnight. The lineup features some of the biggest names in country music, promising an unforgettable evening of entertainment, including:

Gary Allan: With a career spanning more than two decades, Gary Allan is known for his rugged vocals and emotionally charged performances. His hits like “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” and “Watching Airplanes” have made him a staple in country music.

Ryder Grimes: Rising star Ryder Grimes brings a fresh sound to the country music scene. His energetic performances and catchy tunes have quickly earned him a dedicated fan base. His latest single, “Country Heart,” showcases his talent and passion for the genre.

Paul Cauthen: Known for his deep, resonant voice and eclectic style, Paul Cauthen blends traditional country with rock and soul influences. His critically acclaimed albums and dynamic live shows have made him a must-see performer.

To add to the excitement, a surprise musical guest will take the stage, making this an evening you won't want to miss.

Tickets for The Smokeout Fest start at just $45, offering an affordable way to enjoy a full day of exceptional barbecue and world-class music. Whether you're a lifelong Texan or a visitor looking to experience the best of Texas culture, The Smokeout Fest promises to be an event to remember.

Thursday nights in Rockwall are extra special this summer as the city presents its annual series of Concerts by the Lake. Held at The Harbor between 7 and 9 p.m. each week from May through July, the concerts feature a wide assortment of musical artists. The final performer in the 2024 series is the David Whiteman Band, which will perform on July 25.

David Whiteman Band is one of the most versatile and entertaining party bands in America. Led by vocalist-guitarist David Whiteman, this 13-piece band cuts no corners entertaining, combining a mix of musicianship, vocals, sound and stage lighting. Covering genres including Top 40, pop, R&B, funk, hip-hop, rock, Latin and dance music, including current hits and classics dating back to the 1960s.

The free concerts take place on the Amphitheater Stage at The Harbor, 2059 Summer Lee Drive, on the shores of beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, picnics and beverages. Restaurants at The Harbor provide a variety of food choices. Food can be brought in or delivered. Concerts take place unless there is rain or severe weather at showtime; however, the start of a show can be delayed if it appears rain will stop soon.

One of the best things about Concerts by the Lake is that you can experience the shows from land or from water: Scores of boats will fill the Rockwall Harbor enjoying the sounds of the summer concerts.

Free parking is available in the garage in the TrendHR building at the top of Summer Lee Drive. Note: There is no on-grass parking anywhere at The Harbor.

Thursday nights in Rockwall are extra special this summer as the city presents its annual series of Concerts by the Lake. Held at The Harbor between 7 and 9 p.m. each week from May through July, the concerts feature a wide assortment of musical artists. Performing next in the series on July 11 is IDT Band.

IDT Band specializes in modern pop, playing everything from Bruno Mars to George Strait, and Justin Timberlake to Earth, Wind and Fire, and even sprinkles in some romantic tunes by artists such as Michael Bublé and Norah Jones. The band is known for getting audiences of all generations to have a great time.

The free concerts take place on the Amphitheater Stage at The Harbor, 2059 Summer Lee Drive, on the shores of beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, picnics and beverages. Restaurants at The Harbor provide a variety of food choices. Food can be brought in or delivered. Concerts take place unless there is rain or severe weather at showtime; however, the start of a show can be delayed if it appears rain will stop soon.

One of the best things about Concerts by the Lake is that you can experience the shows from land or from water: Scores of boats will fill the Rockwall Harbor enjoying the sounds of the summer concerts.

Vitruvian Nights Live, North Texas’ favorite FREE summer concert series, continues with a perfectly purple performance by The Prince Experience, a Prince tribute band, on June 27. The concert will be held in the beautiful amphitheater at Vitruvian Park in Addison, Texas, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. In addition to live music, guests can play outdoor games and purchase bites to eat and chilled beverages from local food trucks.  These events are open to the entire family – including pets!

Since 2002, Gabriel Sanchez has been portraying Prince in his critically acclaimed show, The Prince Experience. What started off as Gabriel portraying Prince in a local theater production of Purple Rain has expanded into a full-blown, loving tribute to Prince.  Expect to hear all the hits from the man who turned his name into a symbol, including “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “1999” and more.

Concerts continue every other Thursday with performances by Limelight (July 11), Lover (July 25) and Le Freak (Aug. 8).

EVENT INFORMATION

WHAT:                The Prince Experience at Vitruvian Nights Live

WHEN:               June 27 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

WHERE:              Vitruvian Park

                           3966 Vitruvian Way       

                           Addison, TX 75001

                           (West of Midway at Spring Valley)

In the event of inclement weather, Vitruvian Nights Live is subject to cancellation.                                                            

PARKING:           Parking is FREE and available onsite at Vitruvian Park in the Bella Lane and Ponte Avenue parking lots.                                             

DETAILS:             These outdoor, family-friendly events are FREE and open to the public. For more information, park FAQs and all event-related updates, visit the Vitruvian Park website event calendar or follow Vitruvian Park on social media.

https://www.udr.com/vitruvian-park/vitruvian-park-events/

Black Agave has made quite a splash in the North Texas restaurant scene. The Mex-Tex outpost created by chef Omar Adame wows guests with its authentic yet modern interpretations of Mexican classics. The restaurant is showcasing its cocktail creations as well, with a series of tequila dinners. The second of these will feature Tequila Corrido spirits at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25.

Tickets for the reservation-only event are $59.99 per person and include a four-course meal perfectly paired with cocktail creations. The menu includes:

First Course

Chilendrinas

Chicharron de harina, house-made guacamole, julienne iceberg, pickled pork skin, sweet drop peppers, red onion, cotija, crema, Valentina aioli

Paired with Mala Yerba – Tequila Corrido Blanco

Second Course

Rainbow Trout Al Pastor

Fire-roasted trout, pineapple pico de gallo, jalapeño aioli, tepache achiote glaze, jicama slaw

Paired with Santa Elena – Tequila Corrido Reposado

Intermezzo

Cucumber and Dragon Fruit Sorbet

Third Course

Wild Hen Con Mole

Smoked hen, sweet corn risotto, confit plantain, house-made Oaxaca mole, toasted amaranth, micro cilantro

Served with Black Agave – Tequila Corrido Anejo

Fourth Course

TX Churos

Diplomatica vanilla cream, Chiapas chocolate sauce, mezcal-soaked berries

Paired with Mex-Tex Alejandro – Tequila Corrido Over Proof Blanco

Tequila Corrido was resurrected in 2018 by Brian Raab and Anthony Boyle, who continue the mission of bringing people together envisioned by its late founder, Brad Hoover. Corrido translates to ballad, and with master distiller Ana María Romero, the brand pays homage to the tequila-making traditions and stories behind its evolution. The spirit is barrel-aged in its Arandas distillery and is available in three flavors, Tequila Corrido Blanco, Tequila Corrido Reposado, and Tequila Corrido Añejo.

Reservations for the Corrido tequila dinner can be made by calling the restaurant at 469-850-6501 or at mercerboardwalk.com/tequila-corrido.

For more information on Black Agave, or to make a reservation, please visit blackagavetx.com.

Location

1980 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway

Farmers Branch, Texas 75234

469-850-6501

blackagavetx.com