Lockhart Rising 2025

Where smoke meets sound in the Texas Barbecue Capital

By Anthony Collins, LPR Editor                                                           

  On Saturday, May 9, the heart of Texas barbecue beat louder than ever as Lockhart’s Mill Scale Metalworks hosted the second annual Lockhart Rising festival. Presented by Mill Scale Culinary, YETI, and Miller Lite, the event transformed Lockhart into a haven for live-fire cooking enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

    With cooks arriving earlier in the week, the crowd poured in on Saturday to  savor a variety of dishes, from traditional Texas brisket to innovative international flavors including shrimp and more.

    Over 20 renowned chefs and pitmasters from across the U.S. and Europe gathered to showcase their skills. 

     Notable names included Tuffy Stone of Cool Smoke, Charlie McKenna from Lillie’s Q, Seth Siegel-Gardener, and Leonard Botello IV of Truth BBQ.       

    The festival’s soundtrack featured performances by Shane Smith & The Saints, Ellis Bullard, Ryan Quiet, Jesper Lindell from Sweden, and Japan’s DJ Giant Hornets. The diverse lineup kept the crowd energized throughout the day. 

    Lockhart Rising 2025 is more than just an annual festival; it is a celebration of community, culture, and cuisine. 

     Mill Scale Metalworks, Matt Johnson,  stated “Lockhart Rising brought together everything we love about this town—good food, great music, and even better people. The energy in the yard was something special, and we’re proud to have the opportunity to share Lockhart with the world. None of it would be possible without the support of this community—it’s a place that deserves to be celebrated.”