Get ready for the ultimate foodie experience as Hot Luck Fest returns to Austin this Memorial Day Weekend, May 22 – 25, 2025. Now in its seventh edition, this year’s festival promises even more excitement with a brand-new Friday night event, Nite Moves, where acclaimed chefs will reimagine the world’s best street food. Founded by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Guerilla Suit principal and Mohawk owner James Moody, and Feast Portland founder Mike Thelin, Hot Luck Fest combines the vibe of a backyard cookout with the talent of top chefs, cooks, and musicians from across the country.
Nite Moves: A New Culinary Adventure
One of the most anticipated additions to this year’s lineup is Nite Moves, a Friday night event that will transport you to the bustling streets of global cities with mouthwatering street food creations. Taking place at East Austin’s Assembly Hall, this event will feature chefs like Andy Quinn (The Noortwyck), Ariana Quant (Uchi), and Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Canje), among others, cooking up nostalgic late-night bites. This is your chance to experience a culinary journey unlike any other, with sights, sounds, and flavors that evoke the essence of street food culture.
Giddy Up: Festival Kickoff at Franklin Barbecue
The festivities kick off on Thursday, May 22, with an exclusive event at Franklin Barbecue. Only accessible via the Whole Enchilada full weekend pass, this event will feature renowned chefs such as Ana Castro (Acamaya), Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp (My Loup), and Geoff Davis (Burdell), alongside Aaron Franklin himself. This is the perfect way to start your Hot Luck weekend with a bang.
Al Fuego: Live-Fire Cooking at Jester King Brewery
On Saturday, May 24, head to Jester King Brewery for Al Fuego, Hot Luck’s main event celebrating the art of live-fire cooking. Picture this: the finest chefs demonstrating their mastery of open-flame cooking with styles from diverse culinary cultures, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful Texas ranch. Participating chefs include Amanda Turner (The Fiery Talon), Ashleigh Shanti (Good Hot Fish), and Nick Weston (YETI). Expect obsessively prepared dishes, cold beer, and an unforgettable cookout atmosphere.
Camp Sunnyside: The Ultimate Brunch at Fair Market
Wrap up the weekend with Camp Sunnyside on Sunday, May 25, at Fair Market. This event is all about brunch—a leisurely meal that brings together carbs, coffee, and deliciously cooked meats. Some of the chefs you can look forward to include Ashley Christensen (Poole’s), Diego Galicia and Rico Torres (Mixtli), and Kevin Fink (Emmer & Rye). This campfire brunch is sure to be the grandest you’ve ever experienced, making it the perfect conclusion to an epic weekend.
Supporting Southern Smoke Foundation
Hot Luck Fest is proud to support the Southern Smoke Foundation, which provides assistance to those in the culinary industry in times of need. Southern Smoke has been the festival’s charity beneficiary since 2022, making your participation even more meaningful.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Hot Luck Fest are now on sale at hotluckfest.com. Choose from several ticket options, including the Whole Enchilada Ticket Package, which grants access to all main events, music shows, and more for $595. Individual event tickets are also available.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to indulge in fantastic food, enjoy live music, and support a great cause. Mark your calendars and get your tickets now for Hot Luck Fest 2025!
For more information, visit hotluckfest.com and follow Hot Luck on Facebook and Instagram at @hotluckfest. Stay tuned for more announcements, including the music lineup.