2025 Lone Star Smokeout Heats Up Outside AT&T Stadium

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ARLINGTON, TX - The inaugural Lone Star Smokeout rolled into Arlington this weekend, taking over the parking lot outside AT&T Stadium with three days of live Texas country music, smoky barbecue, and plenty of sunshine. We spent Days 2 and 3 on the grounds and got a good feel for what this young festival is shaping up to be — and where it still needs to grow.

Day 2: Sunshine, Smoke, and Strong Performances

Saturday welcomed fans with cloudless skies and temps in the high 70s — about as perfect as Texas springtime gets. Gates opened at 1 pm, and we were there right as they did, alongside a steady stream of excited fans filing into the grounds.

The day kicked off with Catie Offerman, who took the stage with a 30-minute set that brought easygoing charm and traditional Texas country flair. Following her was Lauren Watkins, keeping the afternoon rolling with smooth vocals and a crowd-warming presence.

Around the festival grounds, there was a solid mix of attractions and amenities — including a Top Golf virtual driving range simulator parked in a trailer and scattered high-top bar tables for standing and socializing. But the real star off the stage? The barbecue.

Pitmasters from all across Texas — and even some traveling in from Arizona and Missouri — filled the air with mesquite smoke and tempting smells. Whether you wanted brisket, ribs, sausage, or something a little more creative, there was no shortage of options.

Day 3: Hot Temps and Even Hotter Sets

Sunday turned up the heat — literally. It was significantly hotter than the day before, and unfortunately, it took a toll. During Hudson Westbrook’s high-energy set, the music was paused just 25 minutes in so EMS could assist an audience member who passed out from the heat. Earlier in the day, a similar situation happened as well, and security began frantically handing out bottled water to those near the front.

Despite the dangerous heat, there were no known free water refill stations for general admission guests. Bottled water was available for $4 each, which felt like a major oversight given the conditions.

Still, the artists showed up and delivered.

Kaitlin Butts gave one of the standout performances of the weekend. With incredible vocal range and a mix of slow burners and playful, fiery songs, she gave off “I will scorch the Earth you stand on if you cheat on me” energy — and the crowd loved it. She knew how to work the stage and kept the audience engaged throughout.

Hudson Westbrook, despite having to pause his set, drew a massive crowd in the middle of the afternoon and delivered a fun, upbeat set that showcased why he’s gaining buzz on the Texas circuit.

Later in the day, Eli Young Band brought a wave of familiarity and nostalgia with their signature dad-country-meets-rock sound. One of the most heartwarming moments came when fans noticed all of their kids standing side stage, cheering them on — a reminder that these festivals are just as much about community and family as they are music.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Lone Star Smokeout continues to find its identity. It’s got the music, it’s got the food, and it has some strong crowd support. But it still has room to improve, especially when it comes to heat safety and hydration options.

If it wants to stick around as a major player in the Texas festival scene, it needs to prioritize the fan experience just as much as the artist lineup. That said, we’re excited to see how it grows — and we’ll be keeping an eye on next year’s lineup.