2026 Results

Forty-eight free vaccines were provided to dogs and cats in our community during the Healing Heart Rescue Roundup, thanks to the generosity of Belton Veterinary Clinic. At a time when animal shelters and rescues are facing unprecedented challenges, their commitment to preventive care is helping keep pets healthy, supporting responsible pet ownership, and making a positive impact on the animal welfare crisis affecting our communities.

It is because of community-minded businesses like Belton Veterinary Clinic that we are able to offer these services at no cost to families. They have joined the movement to make a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for their partnership, generosity, and commitment to animal welfare.

Seventy dogs and cats in our community received free microchips with lifetime registration during the Healing Heart Rescue Roundup, thanks to the generosity of We Chip Pets. A microchip is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help reunite lost pets with their families, providing peace of mind to pet owners and a second chance for pets that may one day become separated from the people who love them.

It is because of community-minded organizations like We Chip Pets that we are able to offer these services at no cost to families. Their support is helping keep pets out of shelters, reunite lost animals with their owners, and strengthen responsible pet ownership throughout our community. We are grateful for their partnership, generosity, and commitment to improving the lives of animals and the families who care for them.

28 pets found loving homes through the Healing Heart Rescue Roundup Adoption Event!

Thanks to the incredible work of our rescue and shelter partners, 27 dogs and 1 cat were adopted during the event, and applications were submitted for 3 ferrets seeking their forever homes.

We cannot thank our participating rescues and shelters enough for the time, dedication, and resources they invested to make these outcomes possible. From transportation and veterinary care to foster networks, adoption counseling, and volunteer support, each organization played a vital role in helping animals find loving families.

To recognize their efforts, we invite you to visit our Our Partners page, which highlights every rescue, shelter, and animal service organization that participated in the event.

Every adoption represents more than a pet finding a home. It creates space for another animal in need, supports the organizations performing lifesaving work every day, and strengthens the network of people committed to animal welfare throughout Central Texas.

Together, we are proving that when a community comes together, lives can be changed—one animal, one family, and one act of compassion at a time.

Countless tails wagged a little harder during the Healing Heart Rescue Roundup thanks to the generosity of Mobi Dogs Salon, Barkery, and Boutique. Their team provided free ear cleanings, nail trims, and mini makeovers for pets attending the event, helping our community's dogs and cats look and feel their best. Visitors also enjoyed shopping their selection of delicious treats, collars, toys, beds, accessories, and a little extra bling for their beloved fur babies.

It is because of community-minded businesses like Mobi Dogs Salon, Barkery, and Boutique that events like Healing Heart Rescue Roundup are able to create a fun, welcoming, and supportive experience for pets and their families. Their generosity goes beyond grooming and retail—it reflects a genuine commitment to animal welfare and the well-being of the pets that enrich our lives. We are grateful for their partnership, enthusiasm, and dedication to making a positive difference in our community.

What an incredible first year!

The 2026 Central Texas BBQ Roundup welcomed 100 Pitmasters, 11,188 attendees, dozens of volunteers, nonprofit organizations, entertainers, vendors, sponsors, and community partners who came together to create something truly special.

Be sure to click the Results 2026 button to view competition results, People's Choice winners, ancillary winners, and event highlights.

A few highlights from our inaugural year:

🔥 100 Pitmasters competed for trophies, prize money, and bragging rights

🤝 47 local businesses stepped up through sponsorships and in-kind donations, helping make this event possible

🛍️ 37 vendors and 4 food trucks helped create an incredible festival atmosphere

🎣 The Kids Zone featured a live fish pond, petting zoo, bounce houses, and family activities throughout the day

❤️ An anonymous donor provided a $500 donation to each of our charitable beneficiaries, increasing the event's impact in our community

Thank you to everyone who completed our post-event surveys. Your feedback has already helped us identify improvements as we begin planning for 2027.

Most importantly, thank you to every competitor, sponsor, volunteer, vendor, entertainer, donor, and attendee who helped turn a vision into reality.

First-year events are the hardest, but together we proved what is possible when a community comes together. This was just the beginning, and we cannot wait to see you in 2027!

One of the things that made the 2026 Central Texas BBQ Roundup so special was the incredible support of our vendors.

In our first year, 37 outdoor vendors 44 indoor vendors, and 4 food trucks joined us to help create an amazing experience for our attendees. From handcrafted products and unique gifts to delicious food and specialty items, the quality, professionalism, and variety they brought to the event exceeded our expectations.

What many people don't see is the work that happens behind the scenes. These businesses don't simply show up for an event. They spend countless hours preparing inventory, traveling from show to show, setting up, serving customers with a smile, packing everything up, and doing it all again the next weekend. For many of them, this isn't a hobby—it's their livelihood, their passion, and their dream.

We are incredibly grateful that they chose to invest their time, energy, and trust in a first-year event.

We would also like to thank those vendors who took the time to complete our post-event surveys. Your feedback was thoughtful, honest, and extremely valuable. We are already using your suggestions to improve the event as we plan for 2027.

To every vendor and food truck that helped create the energy, excitement, and festival atmosphere that made this event special, thank you. Your engagement with our attendees, commitment to your craft, and patience as we navigated the learning curve of a first-year event helped create an unforgettable experience for our community.

We hope to see you again in 2027!