When it comes to throwing a party — a spectacular, show-stopping, next-level kind of party — nobody does it better than Texas Counter Fitters’ Chris Blackburn and Andrew Gilbert. And the best news? You’re on the guest list.

Rocktoberfest, TCF’s annual blowout, returns Thursday, October 23.

Clear your calendar for a night of music, art, philanthropy and rockin’ good times.

Now in its third year, the event has come a long way since Blackburn decided to throw himself a 52nd birthday bash. At the time, he and Gilbert had just opened their new, four-and-a-half-acre Richardson showroom. “It was the perfect opportunity to break in the space,” Blackburn recalls. “We were fresh out of COVID, and everyone was itching to get out.”

He called a high school buddy — the drummer for local Eagles tribute band Desperados. “They hadn’t had a gig in forever. I asked if they wanted to play at the party and he’s like ‘Oh my God, please.’”

Not surprisingly, Blackburn and the band weren’t the only ones ready to rock and roll. Friends, friends of friends and industry associates showed up in force. “I thought, this is it. We can entertain large groups of peoples here,” he said. “We have the showroom. Why not do an annual event?”

And just like that, Rocktoberfest was born.

“The name was a natural — we sell rocks, we play rock.”

The creativity snowballed. Blackburn began experimenting with layered, large-scale projection art that transformed the showroom into a living canvas. “It added a total wow-factor. One of my favorite parts of Rocktoberfest is watching people’s jaws drop when the cameras and lights go on.”

One element was still missing: giving back.

This year, art created by TCF’s nonprofit partners — After8toEducate, Dallas Art Therapy and The Stewpot — will be for sale, with every dollar benefiting the charities.“We’re looking forward to sharing about our work and helping more people learn what art therapy is all about,” said After8toEducate executive director Angela Enciso. “Some of our art therapists and community artists have donated pieces, and it feels so special to bring that creative energy into the event.”

Partnering with Texas Counter Fitters has been life changing, added Dallas Art Therapy executive director Angela Davis. “Being chosen as a Rocktoberfest beneficiary means we can keep our doors open and keep saying ‘yes’ to people who need mental health care. We truly couldn’t do this work without them.”

“Additional highlights include live performances by Broadway Dallas students. ‘They’ll be doing three sets of songs,’ said Blackburn. ‘”And to celebrate Broadway Dallas’ hundredth year, soloists will showcase numbers from next season’s shows.”

Rocktoberfest ‘25 will also feature multiple local rock bands, burgers from The Hamburger Man and specialty cocktails.

“It may have started as a birthday party, but Rocktoberfest has evolved to so much more,” said Blackburn. It’s our way of bringing people together for music, art, good times and a good cause.”

Join Texas Counter Fitters for Rocktoberfest 2025: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; 909 North Bowser Road, Richardson, TX 75081. RSVP for complimentary tickets.

About our partners:

After 8 to Educate improves life outcomes and promotes self-sufficiency by providing unsheltered high school students with safe housing and educational opportunities.

Dallas Art Therapy fosters mental health and helps communities thrive through the transformative power of art.

The Stew Pot provides critical services to those experiencing poverty and homelessness by offering housing solutions, educational opportunities, stabilization services, and enrichment programs.

Broadway Dallas presents and promotes excellence in live musical theater with year-round performances for audiences of all ages.