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Hot Luck Fest 2023: The Ultimate Food and Music Celebration

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Hayden Walker
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Hot Luck Fest, one of Austin’s most popular food festivals is back for Memorial Day weekend! Co-founded by legendary pitmaster Aaron Franklin, this three-day event is a celebration of the best culinary and musical talent the city has to offer. The highly anticipated annual food festival brings together a diverse lineup of exceptional chefs, each showcasing their culinary prowess, creating unforgettable tasting experiences.

The Fest

This year, Hot Luck takes place from May 25 to May 28. Festival-goers can expect a variety of culinary events and live music performances from both local and national artists. The festival will take place at various venues throughout Austin, including Franklin Barbecue, Fair Market, and Wild Onion Ranch.

Hot Luck Fest 2023 offers tasting experiences that will allow attendees to sample delectable tastings from a diverse range of culinary talents. From savory bites to sweet treats, these tasting sessions offer a culinary adventure that highlights the exceptional flavors and creativity of the participating chefs.

Featured Chefs

This year’s Hot Luck showcases the talents of some of the most renowned chefs in the industry. This year’s lineup includes well-known local talents like Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Fermín Núñez, Yoshi Okai, Ariana Quant, and Edgar Rico. Other visiting chefs from across the country include, Shaya (Saba, New Orleans); Erick Williams (Virtue, Chicago); Arlin Smith and Andrew Taylor (Eventide Oyster Co., Portland, Maine); Ashleigh Shanti (Good Hot Fish, Asheville, N.C.) and many others. Each chef will bring their unique flavors and creations to three extraordinary events.

Evan LeRoy

The Food

The attraction of the Hot Luck Festival is, of course, the food. Each event features a different culinary theme, with each chef showcasing their skills. Some of the standout events include Al Fuego which is a night of unlimited food and drinks at Wild Onion Ranch.

Music

In addition to the tantalizing food offerings, Hot Luck Fest 2023 also boasts a lineup of live music performances. With an impressive line-up featuring The King Khan and BBQ Show, The Gories, Frankie and The Witch Fingers, Shinyribs, Robert Ellis, and more, this festival promises unforgettable performances. Individual tickets start at just $12, allowing you to enjoy the music while supporting the Southern Smoke Foundation. Founded by Houston chef Chris Shepherd, this nonprofit provides grants and emergency aid to culinary industry workers nationwide.

Tickets & Events

The opening night block party, Hi, How Are You?, will kick off the festivities at Franklin Barbecue’s backyard. The whimsical Big Top event, inspired by carnivals, will take place at Fair Market on East 5th Street. Finally, Al Fuego, the festival’s main event, will ignite the senses with live-fire cooking, mouthwatering barbecue, and refreshing beverages at Wild Onion Ranch in South Austin. Prepare for a culinary extravaganza like no other!

Hi How Are You & Big Top Food Fest: Experience the magic of Hot Luck Fest with individual tickets for the Thursday and Friday night events, priced at $180 each.

Al Fuego: Prepare for an unforgettable evening at the centerpiece Al Fuego event. Secure your spot with a ticket priced at $250 and be captivated by the fiery culinary artistry on display.

Whole Enchilada Weekend Passes: For the ultimate Hot Luck Fest experience, indulge in the Whole Enchilada Weekend Pass, priced at $500. This exclusive pass grants you early access to the night events, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the excitement. Additionally, enjoy access to all music concerts, immersing yourself in the electrifying sounds that complement the culinary wonders. The Whole Enchilada Weekend Pass is your gateway to an entire weekend of every bite and music.

To secure your tickets to Hot Luck Fest 2023, visit hotluckfest.com. Please visit the official Hot Luck Fest website for the most up-to-date information and to purchase your tickets.

Hayden Walker

Hayden Walker is the Editor in Chief and Director of Operations for Austin Food Magazine

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