Fort Worth Stockyards Sizzles with Syndicate Smokedown and Music Fest

On April 13, the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards hosted the third annual Syndicate Smokedown and Music Festival. With two stages of great country music, raffles and prizes, and a one-of-a-kind BBQ competition, this event brought a lot of excitement to Ft. Worth. This premiere event brings a full day of fun to Stockyards station. 

Mission 

All proceeds of the Syndicate Smokedown and Music Festival go to support the Fort Worth Stock Show (FWSS) and the students involved through scholarships. Their mission at Syndicate is to 'make the dreams of young livestock exhibitors come true through educational scholarship.' They award over $10,000 in scholarships to Texas 4-H and FFA students who are pursuing careers in agriculture and life sciences, specifically through their Jim Bob Norman Scholarship Fund. Every year, Syndicate buys livestock at the FWSS Livestock Sale as well to help support the future of agriculture. 

The Smokedown

This is an annual International Barbecue Cookers of America (IBCA) World Championship Competition. The best BBQ in Texas is cooked right there at the stockyards, cooked by BBQ professionals at every level. Each team of barbecuers consists of one chief cook and four assistant cooks. 

Professional smokedown judges select 10 winners, including a Grand and Reserve champion, at the event in three categories: Spare Ribs, Chicken, and Brisket. The champions win large monetary prizes for their BBQ talents. The Grand Champion team wins $5,000 and a belt buckle. The Reserve Champion team takes home $1,000 and a belt buckle. The category winners win $1,500 and a trophy. All ten places in each category receive a money prize. 

US Energy Main Stage

This year, big names brought good country music to the US Energy Main Stage. Popular and award-winning southern country duo Muscadine Bloodline was an audience favorite. Shane Smith and the Saints, Mike and the Moonpies, and Bones Owens kept authentic country music alive on the main stage this year. 

BBQ Stage 

Three performers kept the crowds entertained on the BBQ stage around lunchtime. Texas music legend Gary P. Nunn, known as the 'Cosmic Cowboy,' got the crowds' attention. Two Tons of Steel and Max Stalling brought the music to the BBQ Stage for 2024. 

Learn more and make sure to secure your tickets for next year's event at syndicatesmokedown.com.