The second annual Cattle Country Festival lit up the wide-open skies of Gonzales, Texas, from April 10–12, turning a 400-acre ranch into the ultimate destination for music lovers, foodies, and fun-seekers alike.

This year’s festival lineup brought together an eclectic mix of chart-topping talent and country legends, including Parker McCollum, Nickelback, Chase Rice, Midland, Tanya Tucker, and many more. Their high-energy sets kept crowds dancing from day to night — and well beyond.

But the music was just the beginning. Festivalgoers who chose to camp onsite found themselves immersed in a true Texas-style escape. Between tailgates, bonfires, and cooling off in the nearby Guadalupe River, the vibe was more laid-back than typical concerts. Musicians joined in the fun, too, blending seamlessly with fans.

Of course, no Texas gathering is complete without incredible food — and this year, the festival took things up a notch. Culinary heavyweight Chef Jason Dady served as the Official Chef of Cattle Country. A James Beard Award semifinalist and a familiar face on the Food Network and Travel Channel, Dady brought serious flavor to the table. Named “Best Chef in San Antonio” and recognized by Texas Monthly as one of the “Top 50 in the World” for his barbecue, he curated a lineup of food vendors that delivered a mouthwatering taste of Texas.

Whether you were there dancing under the stars or just keeping up on socials, this year’s Cattle Country Festival was a true celebration of music, food, and the spirit of the Lone Star State.

Missed it? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Scroll through our photo recap and start planning for next year.

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Cover photo of Clay Walker by NEON JACKRABBIT

Wendi Baird is the Editor in Chief of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. A fifth-generation Texan, Wendi has a deep love for the Lone Star State and brings a rich perspective to the magazine’s coverage of travel, culture, and lifestyle across Texas and beyond. With a keen eye for detail and a genuine curiosity for people and places, she enjoys discovering hidden gems and sharing meaningful experiences through her writing.