Council approves Swampy Tonk "Mudbuds and Music" special event permit

The Dripping Springs City Council voted to approve a special event permit and an associated temporary road-closure permit for the Swampy Tonk "Mudbuds and Music" festival, an application submitted by Veil Hawk Entertainment.

John, the applicant’s presenter for Veil Hawk Entertainment, told council members that follow-up reviews since the last meeting addressed prior questions about access and safety. "From the reports I got from Roman, ESD 1 was satisfied with the emergency access route," John said, and added that breakaway fence sections, clearly marked exit signs and on-site inspections by the fire marshal would be in place. "There will be two additional private security guards, and that will bring our total up to four," he said, describing a security plan that also includes two off-duty officers and one Hays County vehicle.

The staff and applicant described coordination with Hays County law enforcement and fire services. John said he had met with Hays County Precinct 4 and ESD 6 fire marshals; staff confirmed that Dylan Polk, the fire marshal, will be on site to inspect generators, tents, stages and food vendors. Council members asked staff to seek message-board placement on Highway 290 and State Highway 12 to warn drivers of detours or slow traffic; staff offered to provide a board if the applicant cannot secure one.

Council member Jeffrey raised neighborhood-traffic concerns about Bluff Street, noting it is often used as a cut-through when congestion builds on Highway 12. Council and staff agreed to close Bluff Street during the event; staff said the updated site layout would be revised to show the closure.

Mayor Folds opened the public hearing and asked for comments; no members of the public spoke. A motion to approve the special event permit and the temporary road-closure permit was made and seconded, and the council voted in favor. Mayor Folds thanked the applicant and staff for the responsive updates and said, "We look forward to the event."

The council’s approval included the conditions discussed at the meeting (on-site fire-marshal inspections, specified staffing and revised traffic controls). No formal amendments to the permit were recorded in the meeting minutes.