Urban BBQ Festival on November 22

Saturday November 22nd
Waikoko Gardens, Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings
11am-6pm
Tickets on sale through Eventbrite

BBQ lovers are in for more meaty goodness in November when the Urban BBQ Festival returns to Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings.

With two stages on the go, there’s something for everyone.

Head to the Placemakers Demo Stage to learn all about homekill beef from Jordan of Wild Game fame, master Swift Ribs with Brendon from Triple One BBQ, go deep for steak night with Classic Butcher Ben and Dan from Heavy Kettle Smokers, and, if you’re feeling ambitious, let the Traeger boys show you how it’s done with the juiciest First Light wagyu brisket.

If you miss a demo hit the Cook Zone, where our pitmasters will be chilling and grilling when they’re not on stage, cooking up tasty morsels from supporters Swift Ribs, Atkin’s Ranch, First Light and The Classic Butcher.

There’ll be samples aplenty, so make sure you check in with the team to see when they’ll be serving up. Top tip: the crucifix lamb is usually good to go later in the afternoon.

There’ll be even more grills on the go in the BBQ Supplies area, where you’ll find everything from BBQs to blades, hot sauce to hot sausage, and fiery rubs to fire pits. Smokey!

These experts just love yarning all things BBQ, so make sure you head over and hit them up with any tricky questions you’ve got saved up.

On the Music Stage we’re excited to welcome debutants Mon Shelford, Queen of Soul, and Nicol Bates, unashamed old school rockers, with Jack Knife Beat returning to huge popular demand. Grab a tasty beverage from the IPA Tent or Craft Bar and soak up the tunes, and be sure to make it through to the chilli eating comp, always a classic.

Will two-time champ Tom D make it a three-peat? Or will we see a new champion crowned at the end of the day? There’ll be plenty of prizes on offer, so don’t be shy.

Then again, if getting up on stage isn’t your cup of tea, you can always head over to the Rock Zone and try and Beat the Bar. Or just take a chance with Meatball Roulette.

But of course the real stars of the show are the BBQ vendors, and we’ve definitely got you covered.

This year we’re going hard on American-style low and slow, with Black Betty, Bareknuckle BBQ and DCBBQ firing up the pits. Start off with the classic juicy brisket and saucy ribs, then see if you’ve got room for sides.

If you’re feeling more international, go Greek with Greek Street, Mexican with Gina’s or Argentinean with Fire by Facundo.

There’s more BBQ than you can shake a spit at, as well as sweet treats from Mr Whippy… if you’ve got any space left to fill. Always popular with the kids, especially the adult ones.

Organiser Jim Poppelwell says: “We had such an awesome day last year we can’t wait to do it all again. I’m especially excited to welcome a bunch of fresh talent to join the team, with new musicians, pitmasters, butchers, BBQ supplies stallholders and BBQ vendors slotting in alongside our old faves.

It’s going to be another epic day of meat, music and BBQ mayhem!”

Poppelwell continues: “Big thanks go to our supporters Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Placemakers and The Rock for their help. As with most events, this truly is a team effort.”

The Urban BBQ Festival is an all ages event, with under 14s tickets free with an accompanying parent or guardian. Tickets are on sale now, with Early Bird at $25, General Admission at $30 until the morning of the event, and gate sales at the venue for $35. So get in early to grab yourself a bargain!

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/urban-bbq-festival-tickets-1647784721459

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