Experience two Texas traditions during Labor Day weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth at the 11th annual Bedford Blues & BBQ Festival, Aug. 30 through Sept. 1. The three-day event combines the Lone Star State’s love of music and food with performers and pitmasters from across the country. Events take place across the street from Bedford City Hall.

Making his debut appearance at the event, Grammy-winning blues performer Boz Scaggs (Sunday, 9:30 p.m.) headlines a live music lineup of 16 entertainers. Also performing are Southern soul rock band JJ Grey & Mofro (Saturday, 9:30 p.m.), Ally Venable (Saturday, 5 p.m.), and local favorites Buddy Whittington and The Stratoblasters team up Sunday at 5 p.m. Taylor Newman (Friday, 6:30 p.m.) and the Peterson Brothers Band (Friday, 8 p.m.) kick off the festival on Friday.

Back by popular demand, the BBQ Triple Play competition is returning with three sanctioning organizations participating: International Bar-B-Que Cookers Association, Kansas City Barbeque Society, and Steak Cookoff Association. Pitmasters from across the U.S. will compete in 14 categories for more than $20,000 in prizes.

Attendees can sample the very best these grill masters have to offer at three tasting events:
• Friday Night Tasting, Aug, 30: $7 per ticket for five samples and one vote.
• People’s Choice, Aug. 31: $20 per ticket for 10 samples and two votes (includes general admission if purchased online).
• Battle of the BBQ, Sept. 1: $20 per ticket for 10 samples and two votes (includes general admission if purchased online).

The festival also features a marketplace with more than 70 artisan, craft and commercial vendors. General admission tickets and parking are free on Friday, Aug. 30. Tickets for Saturday or Sunday start at $10 per person; specialty seating and VIP packages are also available.