Backyard Party features music, fireworks

July 3, 2025

By David Stone

The Belton Journal

The final event of the Belton Fourth of July celebration likely will be one of the best. The annual Backyard Party concert and fireworks exhibition will be at Schoepf’s BBQ’s outdoor stage. The concert will feature popular honky-tonk star Randall King along with Jared Johnson and Wolf Mahler, but the big star of the night likely will be the fireworks show.

The doors open at 6 p.m. and the music will begin at 7. Seating is limited and only available by reservation. Tables are available for purchase, guaranteeing seating at the event. General admission is $20 and tables for six start at $400. Tickets can be purchased at https://ontourtix.com/event-detail/randall-king-w-jared-johnson-1743525637895 Sponsoring a table helps pay for bands and fireworks. “It’s going to be a great show,” said Ronnie Schoepf, owner of the restaurant. “Bell County’s own Jared Johnson will open the show, along with drummer Eric Raines. Eric has performed with several bands here at Schoepf’s.” “Fireworks should get started at dark, and we’ll have about a 30-minute show,” he added.

The Backyard Party will be in the outdoor area behind the restaurant, and no lawn chairs or outside food or drinks will be allowed. There will be a clear-bag policy — do not bring purses or backpacks, Schoepf said. “There will be food and a full bar,” he said. The event is being co-sponsored by the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce and others. “The Chamber has a lot of sponsors, and we have a sponsor that helps with fireworks cost.” Randall King is a crowd favorite, and he has never wavered in his honky-tonk allegiance — in fact, he’s worn it like a badge of honor, growing with pride into a leading voice for today’s traditional country. Amassing over 300 million streams with singles like “You In A Honky Tonk”, “Hey Cowgir” and “Mirror, Mirror,” he’s kept the twang alive in country’s mainstream.

Schooled on icons like Keith Whitley, George Strait, Alan Jackson and John Anderson, but inspired by modern masters like Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan, King first built an independent, grassroots following on the strength of his electrifying live shows. He has since gone on to headline all across the US, the UK and Europe, and he continues to play nearly 150 shows a year.

The following day, Saturday, July 5, Schoepf’s will continue to celebrate with Pecos & The Rooftops performing on the Backyard stage. General admission tickets are $15 and they are available at https://ontourtix.com/events/pecos-and-the-roof-tops-1744380384172. Pecos & The Rooftops are a popular rock band that tours nationwide and throughout Texas.