Bartlett firefighters’ Smoke & Irons Music Fest for charity returns Aug. 7-9

Bartlett firefighters’ annual Smoke & Irons Music Fest to raise money for those in need returns Thursday with the introduction of a kickoff party on an added third day.

The traditionally two-day fest is both the largest fundraiser for the firefighters’ Ignite the Courage charity and among the most prominent collections of original live music in the suburbs.

The kickoff party will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Bartlett Fire Barn, 218 S. Main St., while the fest itself will be on Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, at Apple Orchard Park, 696 W. Stearns Road in Bartlett.

Admission is $10 at the gate for ages 21 and older, while those under 21 are free. Advance tickets for the kickoff party are $15 and can be purchased at ignitethecourage.org.

The festival boasts a relaxed atmosphere with many attractions, including an extensive beer and spirit tasting featuring local breweries Pollyanna, Buffalo Creek and More Brewing, as well as spirits from local distillery Whiskey Acres and Bartlett establishments On the Rocks and Squares Pizza Pub.

The festival will have several food trucks providing options such as lobster rolls, pizza, gyros, tacos and more. There will be a craft show featuring over 20 vendors, a bags tournament, cigar lounge and fire pits.

Texas artists are a prominent feature of this year’s musical lineup, with four making their way north, including the headliners — Greyhounds on Friday and Red Shahan on Saturday.

For more information and the complete lineup, visit ignitethecourage.org and follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.

Ignite the Courage is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides assistance directly to individuals and families within the communities served by the Bartlett Fire Protection District, as well as fellow first-responders in need.