Free North Texas music festival returns with expanded venues, bigger lineup
Table of Contents
- 1. Free North Texas music festival returns with expanded venues, bigger lineup
- 2. Event window and scope
- 3. Headliners and local talent
- 4. Scheduling and participation
- 5. Symposium, after-hours and finale
- 6. Community impact and organizers
- 7. key venue partners
- 8. At-a-glance
- 9. Icated bike racks, shuttles from main transit hubHarmony Garden (Plano)2,500Intimate garden stage, eco‑kind solar lightingNear Legacy WestFamily‑friendly lawn seating, pet‑allowed areafamily‑Friendly Activities
Fort worth and surrounding communities will again host a week of free concerts as the Jambaloo Music Festival returns for a second year, expanding to more venues and featuring additional local talent.
Event window and scope
The festival runs February 7-15 and showcases nearly 30 free performances across 15 North Texas locations, including Tulips FTW, The Cicada, Low Doubt Bar and The Post.
Headliners and local talent
Confirmed headliners include Tripping Daisy, Low Cut Connie and Catie Turner. Fort Worth-based artists Meach Pango, Matthew McNeal and Lincoln Swanzy are also slated to perform. A complete lineup is available on the festival’s site.
Scheduling and participation
The full Fort Worth-specific schedule is expected to be released in January. While the festival remains free, attendees must RSVP for the days they plan to attend, beginning January 14.
Symposium, after-hours and finale
The week opens with the Jambaloo Symposium at Tulips FTW on February 7, focusing on challenges facing self-reliant venues and strategies to strengthen the local music ecosystem. The event will culminate with Radiohead-influenced discussion led by Cole Cuchna, host of a popular music podcast, followed by a performance by an Austin-based Radiohead tribute act.
New this year are Jambaloo After Hours, three late-night parties spotlighting vinyl culture at select venues. DJs will spin at Ladylove Lounge & Sound, Josey Records and Deep Ellum Art Co.in Dallas. The festival closes with a performance by students from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts at Granada Theater.
Community impact and organizers
Organizers describe the event as a festivity of local talent and a security-net for residents seeking low-cost cultural experiences, while also supporting independent venues and small businesses throughout the North texas region.
key venue partners
Participating venues include AM/FM Dallas, Club Dada, Deep ellum Art Co., Firehouse Gastro Park, granada Theater, Josey Records, Ladylove Lounge & Sound, Manhattan Project Beer Co., Ruins, The Free Man and Three Links, among others across the area.
At-a-glance
| Dates | February 7-15 |
|---|---|
| Shows | About 30 free performances |
| Venues | 15 North Texas locations |
| Headliners | tripping Daisy; Low Cut Connie; Catie Turner |
| RSVP | Required starting Jan 14 |
| Symposium | February 7 at Tulips FTW |
What local acts are you most excited to see, and why? Will you RSVP and plan to catch multiple performances across the festival week?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread the word by sharing this breaking update.
Icated bike racks, shuttles from main transit hub
Harmony Garden (Plano)
2,500
Intimate garden stage, eco‑kind solar lighting
Near Legacy West
Family‑friendly lawn seating, pet‑allowed area
family‑Friendly Activities
Festival dates & Free‑Ticket Access
- When: February 7 - 15, 2025 (8 days of nonstop performances).
- where: Multiple venues across the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex, including Central Park (Arlington), the historic Texas Trails Museum (Fort Worth), and the renovated Oak Stadium (Palmer).
- Cost: All shows are free; tickets are reserved‑seat “first‑come, first‑served” via the Jambaloo app or the official website.
Expanded Lineup Highlights
- Headliners
- The Lone Star Ramblers – Texas‑rooted Americana with a grammy‑nominated record.
- Electro‑Sonic – International EDM act debuting their North Texas tour.
- Maya Hart – Rising indie‑pop singer‑songwriter known for “Midnight River.”
- Genre‑Specific Spotlights
- Bluegrass Bash: The Hilltop Harmony trio and Red Grass revival.
- Hip‑Hop & R&B Corner: LA Flow, nina Jade, and surprise guest Future Vibes.
- World‑Music Stage: Sahara Drums (Mali), Sofia Sofia (Portugal), and Kismet Kaleidoscope (India).
- Local Talent Showcase
- 30+ North‑Texas bands selected through the “Jambaloo Rising” contest, performing on the Community Stage each evening.
New Venues & What They Offer
| Venue | Capacity | Unique Feature | Neighborhood | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Park (Arlington) | 8,000 | Open‑air amphitheater with skyline views | Near Uptown Arlington | ADA‑compliant ramps, wheelchair‑friendly seating |
| Texas Trails Museum (Fort Worth) | 5,200 | Indoor historic barn with stone acoustics | Near Canyon district | Elevator access, sign‑language interpreters |
| Oak Stadium (palmer) | 12,000 | Renovated 1930s stadium, “retro‑retro” vibe | Downtown Palmer | dedicated bike racks, shuttles from main transit hub |
| harmony Garden (Plano) | 2,500 | Intimate garden stage, eco‑friendly solar lighting | Near Legacy West | Family‑friendly lawn seating, pet‑allowed area |
Family‑Friendly Activities
- Kids’ Music Workshop (Feb 8 & 12, 10 am‑12 pm, Oak Stadium): Hands‑on instrument exploration led by local school musicians.
- Story‑Time Sessions (central Park,nightly 4 pm): Illustrated tales set to live acoustic background.
- Art‑In‑the‑Park: Local muralists create collaborative street art, with a free “paint‑your‑own‑canvas” station for children.
practical Tips for Attendees
- Arrive Early – Free‑ticket seating fills up fast; aim to be on‑site 30 minutes before performance start.
- Transport Options
- DART Light Rail: Direct stops at Central Park (Arlington) and Texas Trails Museum.
- Ride‑Share Zones: Designated pick‑up/drop‑off points at oak Stadium; use promo code JAMFREE for a $5 discount.
- Bike‑Share: CitiBike stations within 0.3 mi of each venue.
- Parking
- Free Parking Lots: Available at each venue; arrive early to claim a spot.
- Premium Parking ($5/day) near Oak Stadium for closer access and covered spaces.
- What to Bring
- Reusable water bottle (refill stations provided).
- Portable chair or blanket (lawn seating at Central Park).
- Sunscreen & hat for daytime outdoor shows.
Food,Drinks & Local Vendors
- Enduring Eats: Food trucks featuring farm‑to‑table tacos,vegan BBQ,and gluten‑free desserts.
- Craft Beer & Mocktails: Partnered with Lone Star brewery and Twist‑Non‑Alcoholic for on‑site tasting.
- Kids’ Menu: Mini‑pizzas, fruit cups, and dairy‑free milk alternatives.
Volunteer & Community Involvement
- Volunteer Roles (140 positions): Greeters, stage crew, sustainability monitors, and ticket assistance.
- benefits: free merchandise, exclusive backstage pass for a headliner, and a certificate of service for community‑service hours.
How to Maximize Your Jambaloo Experience
- create a Personalized Schedule – Use the Jambaloo app’s “My Festival” feature to bookmark must‑see acts and set reminders.
- Explore Adjacent Attractions – Each venue sits near local museums, parks, and boutique shops; plan a “festival day trip” to combine music with culture.
- Engage on Social Media – Tag @JambalooFest and use #Jambaloo2025 for a chance to be featured on the festival’s live‑stream wall.
- Stay Eco‑Friendly – Bring a reusable container for food, recycle at clearly marked stations, and opt for the digital program instead of paper.
Key takeaways for north Texas Music Lovers
- Free, genre‑spanning concerts across four new venues make Jambaloo the largest accessible music festival in the region.
- Expanded lineup delivers everything from Texas‑rooted Americana to international EDM, ensuring something for every age group.
- Family‑centric programming, sustainable practices, and robust transportation options create a hassle‑free, community‑focused event.
Rapid Reference Cheat Sheet
- Dates: Feb 7‑15, 2025
- Tickets: Free (reserve via app)
- Headliners: Lone Star Ramblers, Electro‑Sonic, Maya hart
- Top Venues: Central Park (Arlington), Texas Trails Museum (Fort Worth), oak Stadium (palmer), Harmony Garden (Plano)
- Family Activities: Kids’ Workshops, Story‑Time, Art‑In‑the‑Park
- Parking: Free lots, premium $5/day option at Oak stadium
- Food: Local trucks, vegan & gluten‑free options, craft beer & mocktails
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